Abstract
In this study, the use of cotton fiber (CF) as a filler in poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and the effect of silane treatment on the mechanical properties, thermal stability, and biodegradability of PBS/CF composites are investigated. The results showed that the tensile strength of PBS was improved (15%–78%) with the incorporation of CF (10–40 wt%) and was further increased (25%–118%) when CF was treated with a silane coupling agent. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation of the fracture surfaces of PBS/CF composites showed that there was slight improvement in fiber-matrix compatibility. Thermogravimetric (TG) analysis showed that the thermal stability of the composites was lower than that of neat PBS and decreased with increasing filler loading. The biobased carbon content of the composites increased with increasing CF content. The incorporation of CF (with and without silane treatment) in PBS significantly increased the biodegradation rate of the composites.
Highlights
The waste treatment and accumulation of non-biodegradable polyethylene (PE) mulch films in vegetable fields or soil have become serious problems, mainly in South East Asian countries
The effect of types and concentrations of silane coupling agent on the tensile strength of the Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS)/cotton fiber (CF) composites with 10 wt% CF was investigated
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of PBS/CF composites at a filler loading of 40 wt% are shown in CF and PBS is improved when CF is treated with the silane coupling agent APTMS
Summary
The waste treatment and accumulation of non-biodegradable polyethylene (PE) mulch films in vegetable fields or soil have become serious problems, mainly in South East Asian countries. Excess amounts of used PE mulch films remaining in the field soil decrease vegetable yields. To address these environmental issues, biodegradable plastics have been developed. Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) is one of the most promising biodegradable aliphatic polyesters, with desirable properties such as biodegradability, melt processability, and both thermal and chemical resistance. Rice straw [3], abaca fiber [4], kenaf fiber [5], jute fiber [6], alkaline lignin [7], bamboo fiber [8], water bamboo husk [9] wood flour [10] and starch [11,12] have been used as natural fillers to enhance the properties of PBS and reduce the cost
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