Polymer Biocomposites and Nanobiocomposites Obtained from Mango Seeds

The objective of this work is to obtain thermoplastic starch, polymer biocomposites and nanobiocomposites using agro-industrial waste generated in mango processing, and characterize the obtained materials. The starch extraction from the kernels of mango pits showed a good yield and the obtained starch had high purity. The results obtained characterizing the fibers and cellulose nano-whiskers, from the husk of the mango seed, proved the effectiveness of chemical treatment removing the amorphous constituents (hemicellulose and lignin). The polymer biocomposites and nanobiocomposites were obtained and the TPS mango starch showed satisfactory results of mechanical and thermal properties, when compared with TPS corn starch materials with the same composition. It is concluded that the waste generated in the agro-industrial processing of mangos showed a potential source for biodegradable materials production.