At IRDL, Celia Idres has developed biocomposites made from bacterial polyesters and Agave Americana fibers.
Celia Idres, chercheur·e au sein de IRDL (Institut National Polytechnique de Bretagne).
Thèse soutenue en 2024 à l'école doctorale École doctorale Sciences Pour l'Ingénieur (Lorient ; 2022-....).
Référencée dans le réseau ABES/STAR, cette thèse répond aux critères de rigueur de l'enseignement supérieur français.
Innovation in the field of materials is crucial to address current environmental challenges. In a context where plastic pollution and industrial waste threaten our ecosystem, the research conducted by Celia Idres at IRDL focuses on the development of biocomposites made from bacterial polyesters and Agave Americana fibers, a plant abundant in West Africa. This thesis explores how these materials can not only improve mechanical performance but also contribute to environmental sustainability, a major issue for developing countries in the region.
The preliminary results of this research are promising and pave the way for concrete applications. By varying the fiber loading of Agave Americana in the polymer matrix, significant improvements in mechanical properties have been observed. For example, an increase of 78% in the Young's modulus was noted with 30% fibers, while the Young's modulus and bending modulus of the PHBHHx-AAF-B biocomposite increased by 170% and 44%, respectively. These results highlight the potential of biocomposites to replace more polluting synthetic materials, such as petroleum-derived plastics, which are both harmful to the environment and non-biodegradable.
However, it is essential to question the long-term viability of these materials. What will their performance be in varied environments? How do they behave under extreme climatic conditions, such as heavy rains or intense heat that characterize certain regions of West Africa? The chemical treatments applied, although environmentally friendly, must be evaluated to ensure their long-term effectiveness. For example, it would be wise to study moisture resistance and biological degradation, crucial factors for the use of these biocomposites in outdoor applications.
The thesis recommendations suggest further exploring the thermal and acoustic insulation properties of biocomposites, which could open new avenues for application in sectors such as construction and packaging. Indeed, the valorization of natural resources in West Africa could not only stimulate the local economy but also promote sustainable practices. By integrating local and renewable materials, companies could reduce their costs while minimizing their carbon footprint.
Moreover, it is important to emphasize that Agave Americana is a plant that requires little water and can grow in poor soils, making it an ideal resource for arid regions. By promoting the cultivation of this plant, jobs could also be created for local farmers while contributing to the fight against desertification.
It is therefore imperative that policymakers take these results into account and consider policies that support research and development in this field. The integration of these biocomposites into industrial applications could transform the materials landscape in West Africa while addressing global environmental challenges. By supporting research initiatives like that of Celia Idres, governments can not only encourage innovation but also strengthen the economic and ecological resilience of their countries.
In conclusion, the development and characterization of biocomposites based on bacterial polyesters and Agave Americana fibers represent a significant advancement in the search for sustainable solutions. The results obtained so far pave the way for varied and promising applications, but it is essential to continue investigations to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of these materials. Ultimately, the future of materials in West Africa may well depend on our ability to innovate while respecting our environment.
Données clés
- 78% : augmentation du module d'Young avec 30% de fibres d'Agave Americana dans le biocomposite.
- 170% : augmentation du module d'Young pour le biocomposite PHBHHx-AAF-B.
- 44% : augmentation du module de flexion pour le biocomposite PHBHHx-AAF-B.
Accéder à l'étude complète
Sources et accès
Celia Idres. Élaboration et caractérisation de biocomposites à base de polyesters bactériens et de fibres d'Agave Americana. Matériaux. Université de Bretagne Sud; Université Abderrahmane Mira - Bejaïa (Bejaïa, Algérie), 2024. Français. ⟨NNT : 2024LORIS689⟩. ⟨tel-04914302⟩