Sustainable composites from Carbon Dioxide-Derived Poly (propylene carbonate) and biosourced poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) fiber with enhancing mechanical properties and heat resistance

Abstract

Biodegradable and biosourced poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) fibers were used as reinforcing materials, and sustainable Carbon Dioxide-Derived Poly (propylene carbonate) composites with balanced strength and ductility were prepared by melt compounding. The PHBV fiber was proved to be an effective reinforcing agent. With the addition of PHBV fibers, the PPC composites showed a significant increase in Young's modulus and tensile strength. When the PHBV fiber content was 40 wt%, the Young's modulus and tensile strength were 317% and 145% higher than that of neat PPC. Especially, the composites still exhibited a certain level of ductility. With increasing the PHBV fiber content, the dynamic storage modulus and glass transition temperature of PPC composite were also increased. The Vicat softening temperature (VST) of PPC/PHBV fiber composites was increased significantly, suggesting the heat resistance of PPC was improved after composites preparation. Such sustainable composites from PHBV fiber reinforced PPC could be used in packaging field, which will promote the practical application of PPC.