New valorization ways for the sunflower

An agronomic and physico-chemical characterization of the fractions (recept acle, pith and stalk) of sunflower waste was made. The interesting extracts (essential oil and pectin) were examined, and potential valorization ways were proposed. The mechanical properties of low density materials, obtained from the stalk (particularly from the pith), were estimated. The quality o f the pulp obtained from the stalk fibers was also characterized. A global valorization diagram of the whole plant was finally presented.