Mechanical Properties of Poly(Butylene Succinate) Reinforced with Alpha Cellulose

Abstract

The objective of this study is to prepare α-cellulose reinforced poly (butylene succinate) composites (PBS/α-cellulose). The effect of amount α-cellulose on the mechanical properties of the composites was investigated. To improve interfacial interaction between PBS and α-cellulose, glycidyl methacrylate grafted poly (butylene succinate) (PBS-g-GMA) was used as a compatibilizer. Mechanical properties of PBS composites prepared by using a twin-screw extruder were investigated. The mechanical properties of PBS/α-cellulose decreased due to the agglomeration of α-cellulose. Nevertheless, tensile strength, Young’s modulus and flexural strength of PBS composites were improved after the incorporation of PBS-g-GMA. The optimum loading of PBS-g-GMA and α-cellulose in the PBS was found to be 5 and 6 phr.