Effect of titanium dioxide on rheological properties of polymer biocomposites filled with hazelnut shell

Анотація

The growing demand for sustainable materials has fueled interest in the development of polymer biocomposites that combine renewable natural fillers with synthetic polymers. Hazelnut shells (HS), as a waste product from the food industry, have been explored as a promising bio-based filler due to their abundance, low cost, and favorable mechanical properties. However, incorporating natural fillers into polymer matrices often presents challenges such as poor dispersion and limited compatibility. Titanium dioxide (TiO₂), a highsurface-area inorganic filler, is known for improving mechanical properties and processability in polymer composites. Despite its benefits, limited research has been conducted on the synergistic effects of TiO₂ in biocomposites containing natural fillers like hazelnut shells.