Effect of cassava pulp on Physical, Mechanical, and biodegradable properties of Poly(Butylene-Succinate)-Based biocomposites

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of poly(butylene-succinate) (PBS) and cassava pulp (CP) at two particle sizes (250 and 400 µm) on the properties of PBS/CP biocomposites. The PBS/CP biocomposites with different ratios (PBS100/CP0, PBS90/CP10, PBS80/CP20, PBS70/CP30, and PBS60/CP40) were prepared using a twin-screw extruder and formed using a ram extruder. The physical, mechanical, and biodegradable properties of these biocomposites were studied. The results showed that the melt flow index of biocomposites significantly decreased with an increase in the CP content as observed in both CP particle sizes. It was also observed that using 400 µm CP in PBS80/CP20 led to a higher melt flow index as compared to using 250 µm CP. The PBS/CP biocomposites were shown to improve Young's modulus and hardness. Nevertheless, tensile strength, elongation at break, and impact strength of the PBS/CP biocomposites decreased with an increase in the amount of CP (in both particle sizes). The addition of 250 µm CP provided good particle dispersion and compatibility in the biocomposite matrix. An increase in the CP content of up to 40% showed that the biocomposites had more brittle fracture although they were also the best biodegradable as indicated by natural soil burial test for 42 days. A biocomposite from PBS/CP could be useful in commodity packaging, outdoor plant pots, and injection molding as eco-friendly, strong and biodegradable materials.