Jointly conducted by UTBM and UNB, this research explores the potential of eco-materials based on recycled polystyrene and plant biomass.
Sagnaba Soulama, researcher at IRTES - SET (Université de Technologie de Belfort-Montbeliard).
Thesis defended in 2014 at the doctoral school École doctorale Sciences Physiques pour l'Ingénieur et Microtechniques (Besançon ; 1991-....).
This research is the result of an international co-supervision between several partner institutions.
Referenced in the ABES/STAR network, this thesis meets the rigorous criteria of French higher education.
The research conducted by the University of Technology of Belfort-Montbéliard (UTBM) in collaboration with the University of Bobo-Dioulasso (UNB) is set against a backdrop where environmental issues are becoming increasingly significant. At a time when plastic pollution is reaching alarming levels, eco-materials, particularly those based on recycled polystyrene, represent a viable alternative to traditional plastics. By integrating cottonseed hulls and kenaf stalks, this study aims to develop materials that not only meet sustainability requirements but can also replace common products in various sectors, such as automotive and electronics.
The results of this research show that the developed materials possess optimized mechanical and thermal properties. For example, tests indicate that these biocomposites can offer tensile strength comparable to that of conventional plastic materials while being lighter. This opens the door to various applications, ranging from thermal insulation to the manufacturing of parts for electronic devices. Indeed, the ability of these eco-materials to substitute for products made from polystyrene and traditional particle boards could transform the market for construction and packaging materials, providing more environmentally friendly solutions.
However, it is essential to ask questions about the implementation of these solutions. What are the technical and economic challenges to overcome for large-scale adoption? For instance, the large-scale production of these biocomposites requires significant initial investments in equipment and worker training. How can market players be incentivized to adopt these new materials? Optimizing implementation conditions is crucial, but strategies for raising awareness and training for end-users must also be considered. This could include workshops and seminars for companies in the construction and packaging sectors to demonstrate the economic and environmental benefits of these new materials.
Economic issues are also to be considered. The development of these eco-materials could generate significant savings in production costs and waste management. By integrating local biomass, it also promotes a circular economy and sustainable development while creating job opportunities in cotton and kenaf producing regions. For example, the cultivation of kenaf, which is a fast-growing plant, could not only provide a raw material for these biocomposites but also contribute to combating desertification in certain regions of West Africa.
In summary, this research is not limited to the simple characterization of materials. It lays the groundwork for a broader reflection on how innovation can address current environmental challenges. Decision-makers must commit to supporting these initiatives, not only through funding but also through policies that favor the emergence of sustainable solutions. This could include tax incentives for companies that choose to use eco-friendly materials, as well as regulations that promote the use of biocomposites in public projects.
In conclusion, the development of biocomposites made from recycled polystyrene matrix reinforced with cottonseed hulls or kenaf particles represents a significant advancement in the search for sustainable solutions. This could not only reduce our dependence on traditional plastics but also create a more circular and environmentally friendly economic model. Stakeholders in research, industry, and public policy must collaborate to make this vision a reality by overcoming the technical and economic challenges that lie ahead.
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Sources and Access
Sagnaba Soulama. Caractérisation mécanique et thermique de biocomposites à matrice polystyrène recyclé renforcée par des coques de cotonnier (Gossypium Hitsutum L.) ou des particules de bois de Kénaf (Hibiscus Cannabinus L.). Matériaux. Université de Technologie de Belfort-Montbeliard; Institut des sciences exactes et appliquées (Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso), 2014. Français. ⟨NNT : 2014BELF0243⟩. ⟨tel-01502466⟩