Abstract
A method to modify polymers is that of introducing fibers in a matrix to produce a fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP). Consequently, the aim of this work was to study the compatibility effect of four coupling agents on wool FRP properties, using poly(lactic acid) plasticized with maleinized linseed oil as polymer matrix. The content of wool assessed was 1 phr. The compatibilizers were (3-(2-aminoethylamino)propyl)-trimethoxysilane, trimethoxy (2-(7-oxabicyclo (4.1.0)hept-3-yl) ethyl) silane, tris(2-methoxyethoxy)(vinyl) silane and titanium (IV) (triethanolaminate)isopropoxide. Initially, wool was modified with coupling agents in an acetone/water (50/50) solution. Mechanical properties were evaluated by tensile and flexural properties, hardness by Shore D measurement and impact resistance by Charpy’s energy. Differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic thermo-mechanical analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis were conducted to evaluate the interaction among components and the effect of the coupling agents on the thermal properties of the original material. Color, wettability and scanning electron microscopy were used to describe physical and microstructural properties. Modification of fibers allows achieving improved mechanical properties and changes the thermal properties of the FRPs slightly. Coupling agent treatment helps to formulate PLA–MLO and sheep wool materials and to improve their performance, thereby creating a broader spectrum of applications for PLA maintaining the bio-based character of the material.
Highlights
Nowadays, an increased interest can be observed for biodegradable and bio-based materials as an alternative to petroleum-based polymers
Most common biopolymers used for industrial applications are poly(lactic acid)-Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(hydroxybutyrate)-PHB and thermoplastic starch-TPS, which represent conventional polymers whose monomers are obtained from agro-resources [8,9]
Similar change into sharper –OH peak was reported for Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectrum of oxidized wool fiber modified with (3-(methacryloyloxy)propyl)trimethoxysilane [37]
Summary
An increased interest can be observed for biodegradable and bio-based materials as an alternative to petroleum-based polymers. A growing demand for bioplastic materials is caused by a reduction in usage of non-renewable materials, in order to prevent the accumulation of plastic waste in the future [5,7]. The demand for biopolymers is frequently caused by the biodegradable character of such materials which allows them to be recycled using an environmentally friendly composting method [1]. Such plastic material can be disintegrated in compost conditions resulting in changes from bioplastic into water, carbon dioxide, and hummus, by the action of microorganisms [8,10]. The eco-friendly character of biopolymers encourages further modification of material with natural origin additives that allows the material properties to be improved and maintains its biodegradable character [11,12]
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