Biobased composites from jojoba oil and fibers from alfa stems: Elaboration and characterization

Abstract Biocomposite materials were obtained by reinforcing two jojoba oil-based aliphatic or aromatic polyurethanes (PU) with cellulose fibers extracted from alfa stems. The weight ratio of cellulose in these composites was varied from 0% to 50% (wt/wt oven dry weight). The resulting biomaterials were characterized by different techniques. The analysis by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveal a good compatibility between the two matrices and reinforcement. Thermal properties of the composites, studied by thermogravimetric (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis showed that the obtained materials were thermally stable up to 250 °C under air and possessed glass transition temperatures (Tg) ranging from − 43 to 6 °C depending on the embedded fibers amount. The mechanical properties were improved up to 30% and 40% by weight ratio of cellulose for the aromatic and aliphatic polyurethanes, respectively.