Performance and biodegradability of a maleated polyester bioplastic/recycled sugarcane bagasse system

Abstract

The biodegradability, morphology, and mechanical properties of composite materials made of poly-(butylene succinate adipate) (PBSA) and sugarcane bagasse (SCB) were evaluated. Composites containing maleic anhydride (MA)-grafted PBSA (PBSA-g-MA/SCB) exhibited noticeably superior mechanical properties because of greater compatibility between the two components. The dispersion of SCB in the PBSA-g-MA matrix was highly homogeneous as a result of ester formation between the carboxyl groups of PBSA-g-MA and hydroxyl groups in SCB and the consequent creation of branched and crosslinked macromolecules. Each composite was subjected to biodegradation tests in a Rhizopus oryzae compost. Morphological observations indicated severe disruption of film structure after 60 days of incubation, and both the PBSA and the PBSA-g-MA/SCB composite films were eventually completely degraded. The PBSA-g-MA/SCB films were more biodegradable than those made of PBSA and exhibited a higher intrinsic viscosity, implying a strong connection between these characteristics and biodegradability.

Polycaprolactone-Based Green Renewable Ecocomposites Made from Rice Straw Fiber: Characterization and Assessment of Mechanical and Thermal Properties

“…Whereas the Δ H f of both PCL/RSF and PCL-g-MA/RSF composites decreased with increasing RSF content, the extent of the decrease was significantly greater in PCL/RSF, indicating a lower degree of crystallinity in PCL/RSF compared to PCL-g-MA/RSF. These results are analogous to those obtained by Wu et al for a maleated polyester bioplastic/natural fiber composite system . The marked decrease in crystallinity of PCL/RSF compared to PCL-g-MA/RSF was most likely a result of the sterically hindered motion of the PCL polymer segments due to the presence of RSF in the composite matrix; the hydrophilic nature of RSF led to poor dispersibility with the more hydrophobic PCL-g-MA polyester …”

“…These results are analogous to those obtained by Wu et al for a maleated polyester bioplastic/natural fiber composite system. 44 The marked decrease in crystallinity of PCL/RSF compared to PCL-g-MA/RSF was most likely a result of the sterically hindered motion of the PCL polymer segments due to the presence of RSF in the composite matrix; the hydrophilic nature of RSF led to poor dispersibility with the more hydrophobic PCL-g-MA polyester. 45 The thermal stabilities of the PCL, PCL-g-MA, RSF, and the composites were measured by TGA under a nitrogen atmosphere.…”

Applications of Lignocellulosic Fibers and Lignin in Bioplastics: A Review

“…In comparison to synthetic fibers, lignocellulosic fibers are biodegradable, renewable and widely available; moreover, they have low density, competitive specific mechanical properties and a relatively low cost [6,19]. Lignocellulosic fibers such as sugar cane bagasse [20], wheat straw [19], rice straw [1], forest wood [21], flax [22], hemp [12], kenaf etc. [23] have been widely used as reinforcements in bioplastics.…”

Influence of addition of vapor grown carbon fibers on mechanical, thermal and biodegradation properties of lignin nanoparticle filled bio-poly(trimethylene terephthalate) hybrid nanocomposites

“…The presence of hydrophobic VGCF might have contributes in lesser tendency of water absorption. 36 4.8 Biodegradation studies of bio-PTT, its nanocomposites and hybrid nanocomposites SEM micrographs of bio-PTT, bio-PTT/1.5 wt% LNP nanocomposites and bio-PTT/1.5 wt% LNP/7 wt% VGCF hybrid nanocomposite samples buried under soil medium taken aer 60 and 120 days, respectively are shown in Fig. 8.…”