TPS/PCL Composite Reinforced with Treated Sisal Fibers: Property, Biodegradation and Water-Absorption

• Published in: Journal of polymers and the environment 2013-03, Vol.21 (1), p.1-7
• Main Authors: de Campos, Adriana, Tonoli, Gustavo H. D., Marconcini, José M., Mattoso, Luiz H. C., Klamczynski, Artur, Gregorski, Kay S., Wood, Delilah, Williams, Tina, Chiou, Bor-Sen, Imam, Syed H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Absorption; Applied sciences; Biodegradable materials; Biodegradation; Bioplastics; Carbohydrates; Carbon dioxide; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Composites; Environmental Chemistry; Environmental Engineering/Biotechnology; Exact sciences and technology; Fibers; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Hydrogen peroxide; Industrial Chemistry/Chemical Engineering; Materials Science; Moisture absorption; Original Paper; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polymer Sciences; Starch; Technology of polymers; Thermoplastic composites
• ISSN: 1566-2543; 1572-8919; 1572-8900
• DOI: 10.1007/s10924-012-0512-8

Sisal fibers bleached with sodium-hydroxide followed by hydrogen peroxide treatment were incorporated in a thermoplastic starch/ε-polycaprolactone (TPS/PCL) blend via extrusion processing. These samples with smooth and homogenous surfaces were examined for their property, biodegradability and water absorption. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the fibers were well dispersed in the matrix. In addition, it was found that the fibers and matrices interacted strongly. Blends with 20 % (dry weight-basis) fiber content showed some fiber agglomeration. Whereas blends with 10 % fibers showed increased crystallinity and lower water absorption capacity. The CO 2 evolution study showed that the thermoplastic starch samples without any additives had the highest rate and extent of degradation whereas the neat PCL samples had the lowest degradation rate. Addition of fiber to the TPS/PCL blend exhibited the degradation rates and extents that were somewhere in between the pure TPS and neat PCL. This work demonstrates that TPS/PCL composites reinforced with bleached sisal has superior structural characteristics and water resistance and thus, can be used as polymeric engineering composites for different applications.