Abstract
Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) is a promising biobased, biodegradable thermoplastic with limited industrial applications due to its brittleness and high cost. To improve these properties, lignocellulosic fibers from two invasive plants (Phalaris arundinacea and Lonicera japonica) were used as PHBV reinforcing agents. Alkali treatment of the fibers improved the PHBV–fiber interfacial bond by up to 300%. The morphological, mechanical, and thermal properties of the treated fibers were characterized, as well as their size, loading, and type, to understand their impact on performance of the biocomposites. The new biocomposites had improved thermal stability, restricted crystallization, reduced rigidity, and reduced cost compared with PHBV. Additionally, these novel biocomposites performed similarly to conventional plastics such as polypropylene, suggesting their potential as bio-alternatives for industrial applications such as semirigid packaging and lightweight auto body panels.
Highlights
Fiber-reinforced polymer composites consist of a polymer matrix and embedded fiber fillers [1,2]
We studied the effect of alkali treatment on the mechanical properties of invasive plant fibers and fiber–PHBV interfacial bond
Untreated reed canarygrass (RC) fibers (Figure 3A) were covered with parenchymatous pith, a soft and spongy tissue in the stems of vascular plants composed of parenchyma cells which mainly consist of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin [30]
Summary
Fiber-reinforced polymer composites consist of a polymer matrix and embedded fiber fillers [1,2]. Fiber inclusion serves to increase strength and stiffness and improve thermal conductivity [2]. Traditional polymer composites are reinforced with synthetic fibers [2]. Lignocellulosic fibers, have been attracting increased interests as “green”. Substitute for synthetic fibers due to their natural abundance, renewability, biodegradability, low cost, light weight, acceptable mechanical properties, and good thermal insulation properties [3,4,5,6]. Some plant fiber composites have found applications in packaging, furniture, automobile, and building industries [3]. Lignocellulosic fibers are abundantly available, but they must be used in a sustainable manner [7]. Value-added use of lignocellulosic fibers from underexplored resources, such as agro-food waste and invasive plant species, can help improve the long-term sustainability of the polymer composite industry
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