Degradation of Highly Filled Biocomposites Based on Synthetic Polymers and Natural Polysaccharides Under the Action of Climatic Weathering and Biodegradation (Review)

Abstract

The abiotic and biological weathering of highly filled composites based on polyolefins and natural fillers was considered. It was found that majority of studies were devoted to artificial weathering of wood polymer composites (WPC) and its effect on composites properties. The biodegradability investigations of such materials were limited by outdoor weathering and model studies under laboratory conditions. The fungal decay was the main topical issue. In the case of natural filler composites (NFC) the biodegradation studies under the natural and laboratory conditions were discussed wider.