Mechanical and morphological characterization of PVC plastisol composites with almond husk fillers

Abstract The present study develops new composite materials derived from environmentally friendly material, based on lignocellulosic fillers combined with a thermoplastic matrix. Almond husk, obtained as a by‐product of the agri‐food industry, has been used as a filler, combined with PVC thermoplastic matrix. This composite type (lignocellulosic material/thermoplastic matrix) is the object of this work for the advantages that it offers in environmental protection terms. With a view to identifying the degree of influence of filler amount, plasticizer concentration, and filler particle size on the properties of this new composite, we tested its mechanical properties and analyzed tensile fracture surfaces using scanning electron microscopy. POLYM. COMPOS., 28:71–77, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers