Biodegradable Starch-Based Resin Reinforced with Continuous Mineral Fibres-Processing, Characterisation and Mechanical Properties

• Published in: Advanced composite materials Vol. 18; no. 2; pp. 167 - 185
• Main Authors: Wittek, Thomas, Tanimoto, Toshio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Korean
• Published: 2009
• Subjects: basalt fibres; processing; 'Green' composite; biodegradable resin; mechanical properties
• ISSN: 0924-3046; 1568-5519

Environmental problems caused by extensive use of polymeric materials arise mainly due to lack of landfill space and depletion of finite natural resources of fossil raw materials like petroleum or natural gas. The substitution of synthetic petroleum-based resins with natural biodegradable resins appears to be one appropriate measure to remedy the above-mentioned situation. This study presents the development of a composite that uses environmentally degradable starch-based resin as matrix and natural mineral basalt fibres as reinforcement, and investigates the fibre's and the composite's mechanical properties. The tensile strength of single basalt fibres was verified by means of single fibre tensile tests and statistically investigated by means of a Weibull analysis. Prepreg sheets were manufactured by means of a modified doctor blade system and hot power press. The sheets were used to manufacture specimens with fibre volume contents ranging from 33% to 61%. Specimens were tested for tensile strength, flexural strength and interlaminar shear strength. Composites manufactured during this study exhibited tensile and flexural strength of up to 517 MPa and 157 MPa, respectively.