Abstract
Recent concern over the harmful effects on the ecology of long lasting plastics has led to heightened interest in the development of more environmentally sustainable materials. Attention has been paid to biodegradable thermoplastic polymers, polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene succinate (PBS). However, although these materials have been widely used as matrix in a composite, the potential of biopolymers as reinforcement in a composite structural system has been examined less. Two types of unidirectional biodegradable composites, PLA self-reinforced and PLA reinforced PBS matrix composites, were produced. The composites were tested for Young’s modulus, tensile strength and strain at break. Cross-section and fracture surface characteristics of the composites were also examined by scanning electron microscopy to identify damage modes. It is found that the tensile strength of both PLA self-reinforced and PLA–PBS composites is increased by 10–40%, while their initial modulus is 2–6 times higher than that measured for PLA and PBS films.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
