Renewable resource-based composites of recycled natural fibers and maleated polylactide bioplastic: Characterization and biodegradability

• Published in: Polymer degradation and stability Vol. 94; no. 7; pp. 1076 - 1084
• Main Author: Wu, Chin-San
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.07.2009; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Biodegradation; Blend; Burkholderia cepacia; Coconut; Exact sciences and technology; Fibers and threads; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Polylactide; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Technology of polymers; Biodegradation; Blend; Polylactide; Coconut; Biological properties; Lactone copolymer; Biodegradability; Lactic acid copolymer; Intrinsic viscosity; Fiber reinforced material; Plant fiber; Coconut fiber; Organic anhydride; Experimental study; Lactone polymer; Functional polymer; Composite material; Thermal properties; Lactic acid polymer; Natural fiber; Aliphatic polymer; Concentration effect; Water absorption; Rheological properties
• ISSN: 0141-3910; 1873-2321
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2009.04.002

The thermal properties of composite materials composed of polylactide (PLA) and green coconut fiber (GCF) were evaluated. Blends containing maleic anhydride-grafted PLA (PLA-g-MA/GCF) exhibited noticeably superior thermal properties due to greater compatibility between the two components. The dispersion of GCF in the PLA-g-MA matrix was highly homogeneous as a result of ester formation, and the consequent creation of branched and cross-linked macromolecules, between the carboxyl groups of PLA-g-MA and the hydroxyl groups in GCF. In addition, the PLA-g-MA/GCF blend was more easily processed due to a lower melt viscosity. Each composite was subject to biodegradation tests in a Burkholderia cepacia BCRC 14253 compost. The bacterium completely degraded both the PLA and the PLA-g-MA/GCF composite films. Morphological observations indicated severe disruption of the film structure after 9–12 days of incubation. The PLA-g-MA/GCF (10 wt%) films were not only more biodegradable than those made of PLA, but also exhibited lower molecular weight and intrinsic viscosity, implying a strong connection between these characteristics and biodegradability.