Valorization of pistachio shells as green composite material: an approach that contributes to sustainable development

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Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56845/rebs.v8i1.672

Keywords:

biocomposite material, pistachio shells, agro-industrial waste, sustainable material

Abstract

The increase in the production of conventional plastics has generated an environmental crisis that is difficult to reverse. In response to this problem, this study proposes the development of a green composite material (GCM) from pistachio shells and a matrix based on potato starch, calcium chloride (CaCl2) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). A series of steps were followed to prepare the GCM, including cleaning, drying, milling, sieving, mixing, compression molding and drying. Once the GCM was obtained, a perceptual analysis was performed and its microstructure and hardness were characterized by optical microscopy and Vickers tests, respectively. The granulometric analysis revealed that the milled sample had a high proportion of coarse particles with sizes ranging from 0.71 to 1.70 mm, which accounted for 74.98%. These particles exhibited a slightly elongated complex morphology (circularity = 0.73 ± 0.04 and aspect ratio = 1.27 ± 0.16). The GCM exhibited a compact structure with a low degree of porosity and a visual finish similar to that of wood chipboard. The perceptual analysis carried out with experts and non-experts, showed a good acceptance of the material, highlighting its innovation, stiffness. and sustainability as the most outstanding attributes. In the microstructural analysis, a heterogeneous distribution of the particles was observed, as well as the presence of irregular pores. Finally, Vickers hardness tests showed that the GCM exhibited a hardness value of 33.63 ± 16.49 HV, which is comparable to that of other biocomposite materials. In conclusion, it was possible to produce a GCM from pistachio shell waste with adequate physical characteristics, which represents an attractive and viable sustainable alternative to replace conventional plastics and   offers potential multiple applications in various industrial sectors.

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Published

2026-02-17

How to Cite

Gutiérrez-Aldana, N., Arzate-Vázquez, I., Méndez-Méndez , J. V., Martínez-Gutiérrez, H., & Chanona-Pérez, J. J. (2026). Valorization of pistachio shells as green composite material: an approach that contributes to sustainable development. Renewable Energy, Biomass & Sustainability, 8(1), 46–53. https://doi.org/10.56845/rebs.v8i1.672

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Original Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Natalia Gutiérrez-Aldana, Israel Arzate-Vázquez, Juan Vicente Méndez-Méndez , Hugo Martínez-Gutiérrez, José Jorge Chanona-Pérez

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.