Utilization of linseed cake as a postagricultural functional filler for poly(lactic acid) green composites

Linseed cake (LC), a byproduct of linseed oil extraction, is used as a functional filler for production of biodegradable composites. To determine the influence of residual linseed crude oil contained in lignocellulosic filler on the properties of the poly(lactic acid) (PLA)-based composites with 5–30% filler content, two types of LC were analyzed: a defatted and an unmodified one. Complex analysis of the composites' properties change was conducted in relation to their structure modification caused by the addition of a waste filler. It was found that the addition of LC resulted in simultaneous plasticization and improved crystallization of PLA. Lignocellulosic particles and crude linseed oil contained in the LC powder provided a modifying effect, influencing the level of crystallinity and mechanical and thermomechanical properties. Using LC may thus overcome one of the main drawbacks of PLA, which is brittleness and low crystallinity. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 47152.