Influence of the Degradation Medium on Water Uptake, Morphology, and Chemical Structure of Poly(Lactic Acid)-Sisal Bio-Composites.

Cristina Moliner,Elisabetta Finocchio,Gianguido Ramis,Alberto Lagazzo,Elisabetta Arato

doi:10.3390/ma13183974

Abstract

A series of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(lactic acid)-based bio-composites (sisal PLA) were prepared and studied by spectroscopic and microscopic techniques as such and after immersion at room temperature in different degradation mediums (i.e., distilled and natural sea water and solutions at pH = 2, 6, and 8). In these conditions, some of their macroscopic and microscopic properties were monitored during a period of 30 days. Water absorption increased with the increasing fiber content regardless of the immersion medium. The maximum water absorption was achieved at pH = 8 (~16%), indicating a more severe action of the alkaline mediums on the samples. The diffusivity, D, of PLA decreased with the addition of fibers and acidic mediums showed higher D, indicating higher diffusivity of water through the specimens with respect to those submerged in moderate or alkaline mediums. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis evidenced a weak interaction between the PLA matrix and the sisal fibers. Very limited degradation phenomena occur in our conditions: Despite some changes in the microstructure, the PLA backbone seems to be largely resistant to hydrolysis, almost regardless of the pH value and even at the highest sisal content.

Highlights

Poly(lactic acid) or polylactide (PLA) is one of the leading candidates to replace petrochemicalbased plastics [1]
All bio-composites seemed to keep their physical series of samples, the influence of pH is considered
The maximum water absorption was achieved at pH = 8 (~16%), indicating a more severe action of alkaline mediums on the samples

Summary

Introduction

Poly(lactic acid) or polylactide (PLA) is one of the leading candidates to replace petrochemicalbased plastics [1]. PLA is probably the most used biodegradable polymer in medical applications [2]. PLA, still has some challenges for commercial packaging applications due to its limited mechanical and barrier properties. Natural fibers are widely used as reinforcement of PLA to improve its mechanical and thermal performance while maintaining its biodegradable nature. Several fibers as flax [5,6] or kenaf [7,8] have been combined with PLA to achieve an optimized performance for specific user applications. Agave Sisalana ( known as sisal) with concentrations up to 30% w/w has been proved to be an adequate filler for PLA, improving its mechanical, thermal, and water uptake performance [9,10].

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