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In this research, mango parts (kernel and integument) were loaded into a polylactic acid (PLA) matrix by a casting process to develop biocomposite materials. These materials should present improved mechanical and thermal properties and have the potential to be used as environmentally friendly, biodegradable food packaging material with extended shelf life. For this purpose, the research was divided into two parts: step 1, ground materials of a certain particle size from a previous work1 and step 2, which are the materials from Step 1 ground again. The samples were characterized by x‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), laser granulometry, texture tests, and thermal analysis. The difference between them was particle size distribution, impacting the materials' mechanical strength and degradation rate. Three biocomposites were made (PLA/kernel, PLA/integument, and PLA/kernel/integument) in both steps. SEM was used to observe the size distribution of the mango seed and sample morphology. In addition, resistance values increased with the addition of kernel or integument particles. Biocomposite biodegradability was also evaluated. Based on the results of this study, the biocomposites showed high mechanical properties and thermal stability, making them suitable for applications such as food packaging and structural components to help reduce environmental loads and microplastic generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Mango seeds from agro‐industry represents an environmental problem due to the amounts of by‐products produced. Conversely, poly (lactic acid) (PLA) is a potential green alternative to conventional plastics. The goal of this study aimed to develop a biocomposite based on PLA and mango's by‐product for rigid packaging. Six biocomposites are obtained by extrusion/injection processing using formulations with PLA as a matrix and up to 20% by weight of mango seed's by‐products. The materials are characterized by chemical and physical analysis; scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X‐ray, X‐ray diffraction; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR); thermal gravimetric analysis/differential thermogravimetry; differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and mechanical analysis. FTIR bands and DSC transitions related to starch are higher in the kernel, while more cellulose bands are found in the integument. Kernel presented thermal degradation in the biocomposites, the sample PLA+20 wt% kernel. For the other compositions, it is possible to observe that they could keep their morphology. Significant improvements in both mechanical and barrier properties are found in the formulation with 20 wt% integument (up to 38% in elastic modulus). Therefore, this study suggests that biocomposites developed from PLA / Integument / Kernel have potential as a new biomaterial for rigid food packaging systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]