Selected Properties of Biocomposites on the Basis of PHBV With Cellulose Fillers

Abstract

The paper presents selected properties of the developed biocomposites based on PHBV poly (3-hydroxybutyric co-3-hydroxyvaleric acid) biopolymer. The PHBV biopolymer is obtained by the copolymerization of 3-hydroxybutyric acid and 3-hydroxyvaleric acid. The biopolymer used for the tests contained 8% of poly (3-hydroxyvaleric acid). For the preparation of the composite, three types of fillers: wood flour, hemp fiber and flax fiber were used in search for the best possible mechanical properties of composite. During the selection of filler types, the availability and price in the geographical area of Poland as well as mechanical properties were taken into account. Fillers were alkalized and fiber modification parameters were determined. The following mass percentages of fillers in the tests: 15%, 30%, 45%, 50% and various fiber lengths were used. To produce the biocomposites the single-and twin screw extruders made by Zamak Company were used. The initial processing parameters were determined using DSC thermogram analyses. The technological parameters depended on the type of filler and its percentage content. The best mechanical properties, compared to generally available polymers like PP, PE, PVC or PS were obtained for the composite with hemp fiber. The developed composite is completely biodegradable. Better mechanical properties of produced composite in relation to e.g. PE or PP allow using it for the production of parts that are used in various branches of the economy.

The Use of Computed Tomography in the Study of Microstructure of Molded Pieces Made of Poly(3-hydroxybutyric-co-3-hydroxyvaleric acid) (PHBV) Biocomposites with Natural Fiber

“…One of the interesting biocomposites, the study of the microstructure of which is very desirable but problematic, is biocomposites based on polyhydroxybutyrate-co-valerate (PHBV) filled with plant origin fibers [18][19][20]. In recent years, there has been a large increase in the use of natural fibers to produce new types of environmentally friendly composites.…”

“…Pure PHBV, which is a biopolymer belonging to the group of polyhydroxyalkanoates, has similar properties to polypropylene, is of natural origin and is biodegradable. Unfortunately, due to high manufacturing costs, there is a problem with its commercialization as a material for the production of, among other things, injection-molded pieces [18,19,23]. In order to reduce production costs and improve mechanical properties, a new biocomposite consisting of PHBV as a matrix and a filler in the form of short hemp fibers was prepared.…”

“…In order to reduce production costs and improve mechanical properties, a new biocomposite consisting of PHBV as a matrix and a filler in the form of short hemp fibers was prepared. The biocomposite produced has relatively better properties compared to pure PHBV, and its production costs are lower [18].…”