Reuse of collagen and hydroxyapatite from the waste processing of fish to produce polyethylene composites

Abstract

In recent years, the increase in the generation of waste (e.g., bones and skin) from the processing of fish-based food related to the increase in fish consumption and the accumulation of synthetic polymers in the environment are causing major environmental concerns. Hydroxyapatite (HA) extracted from the bones and collagen from the skin of fish processing residues can be combined with synthetic polymers to maximize the use of waste material derived from fish while simultaneously reducing the use of synthetic polymers. Hence, in this study, collagen and HA were extracted from the carcasses of Lophiosilurus alexandri, and the obtained materials were reused to prepare low-density polyethylene (LDPE) blends and composites. The integrity of the triple helix structure of collagen was confirmed by FTIR and DSC showing that there was no collagen denaturation during its extraction and sample processing. The results indicated that the material produced by the incorporation of collagen into LDPE compatibilized with polyethylene-graft-maleic anhydride exhibits good mechanical and surface properties for use as a support material for ornamental articles, among other applications.