Polyhydroxybutyrate Composites with Random Mats of Sisal and Coconut Fibers

Abstract

Biodegradable polymeric composites using natural fibers have been investigated aiming to mitigate environmental impacts. In this paper, polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) composites obtained using random mats of sisal and coconut fibers by compression molding in a hydraulic press, and the fiber content varied between 10% and 15% relative to the weight of the polymer. Thermal analyses were performed such as Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Flexural and tensile tests were performed before and after conditioning in climate chamber with temperature and moisture. The results of thermal analysis show that the thermal stability of the materials remained, both PHB without fiber as for composites with natural fibers mats. The results of mechanical tests indicated that the PHB without fibers and composites showed similar flexural strength values, while the results of the tensile test PHB without fibers showed resistance to higher tensile composite.

Sisal (Agave sisalana) fibre and its polymer-based composites: A review on current developments

“…The tensile and flexural properties of jute, sisal and elephant grass-PLA-based composites increased by adding fibre initially and then decreased when the content of fibre is exceeding 20%. Hosokawa et al 114 fabricated the PHB-based composites reinforced by sisal and coconut fibres by compression moulding. The results of mechanical tests revealed that the PHB composite with fibres and without fibres gave similar flexural strength, whereas tensile strength of sisal composites was found to be lower than PHB matrix.…”

The Quasi-static and Dynamic Mechanical Behavior of Epoxy Matrix Composites Reinforced with Curaua Fibers

“…This fiber is replacing glass and carbon fiber in some applications. Green materials gain attention for several applications from aerospace to the building industry because it combines some special features like low weight and price with good physical properties [1][2][3][4][5] .…”

A new study on flax‐basalt‐carbon fiber reinforced epoxy/bioepoxy hybrid composites

“…The peak is observed to be more protuberant in the case of C4 and C6 laminates mainly due to the structural decomposition of cellulose and amorphous lignin in flax, carbon, and basalt fibers. [ 29, 30 ] The overall results suggest that the prepared hybrid composites are thermally stable upto 295°C. Therefore, the prepared laminated are thermally capable enough to be used in applications workable till the above mentioned temperature.…”