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Title
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A protein-based polymer from Kastoria beans as a matrix for sustainable composites
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Type
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Refereeing
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Keywords
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sustainable, model, polymer, protein, composite
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Abstract
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The protein fraction of Kastoria beans of the 'elephant' subspecies was isolated and used as a basis for the production of a sustainable thermoplastic using a variation of the solution casting method. This polymer was subjected to Differential Scanning Calorimetry and was also used as a matrix to make sustainable composites, reinforced with a range of different contents of cotton flocks (2-4-6-8-10% w/w) or olive pits (5-10-15-20-25% w/w). Tensile stress tests were performed on the neat matrix, and on each of the composites, resulting in an increase in ultimate strength by 18.55% for the 10% w/w cotton flocks-reinforced matrix, and by 25.56% for the 25% w/w olive pits-reinforced matrix. Moisture absorption experiments show that the composite containing 25% w/w olive pits was the most advantageous in terms of resistance to water absorption. Four models were applied to the experimental results, and one of them achieved practically absolute prediction accuracy. The experimental results suggest that Kastoria beans can produce a promising proteinbased thermoplastic as well as composites with improved properties.
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Researchers
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Fatemeh Arabgol (Referee)
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