Effects of Natural Weathering on Aesthetics, Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Completely Biodegradable Composites

Abstract

AbstractThe emergence of biodegradable plastics as the polymer matrix for natural fibre composites has been rapid, due to the concerns over the accumulation of nondegradable plastic waste in the environment. Given the market growth in exterior applications, there is a need to understand the behaviour of these emerging materials under natural weathering conditions before these materials can be commercialised. In this chapter, we have provided an overview of the natural weathering behaviour of representative completely biodegradable composites. The effects of natural weathering on completely biodegradable composites are no far different from those on natural fibre composites with conventional non-degradable matrices. Any influence of biodegradation from the biopolymer matrices was not evident under natural weathering conditions for at least 2 years. Physical and mechanical deteriorations of the composites were observed after a few months of exposure, the severity depending predominantly on the fibre content. Overall, the conclusion is that the accessibility of the natural fibres and the rate of moisture ingress into the bulk matrix controls the stability of the biodegradable composites upon natural weathering.