Hybrid composites based on fibres of marine origin

A series of polymeric formulations has been prepared based on oxobiodegradable (PVA) and hydrobiodegradable (starch, PLA, Bionolle) macromolecular materials used as continuous matrices and fillers derived from a marine sea-weed (Zostera). The formulations have been submitted to processing trials under different experimental conditions selected in order to prevent the thermal decomposition of the fillers utilised in the form of powder. Composite specimen produced by either casting from water suspension and compression moulding, were submitted to mechanical characterisation with the aim of selecting formulations enabling promising practical exploitation. Composites based on blends of PLA and Bionolle, used as plasticiser turned out to be processable in tomato clip, as a typical example of agriculture environmentally compatible items, susceptible to be disposed their service life to controlled composting infrastructures together with the agricultural waste.