Wood flour reinforced biodegradable PBS/PLA composites

Abstract

The advanced development of biocomposites made of biodegradable polymers and natural fibers has initiated great interest because the resultant polymer will degrade absolutely and will not emit toxic substances. Among the biodegradable polymers, the poly(butylene succinate) and poly(lactic acid) have diverse commercial applications and the natural fiber such as wood flour is renewable and cheaper alternative to synthetic fiber. The properties of the composite made of poly(butylene succinate)/poly(lactic acid) blend and wood flour are not compatible due to the poor wettability and interfacial adhesion. Therefore, in the study presented, the Fusabond MB 100 D has been used to improve the interfacial bonding between poly(butylene succinate)/poly(lactic acid) blend and the dispersed wood flour. The results reveal that the addition of FB not only increases the tensile strength but also improves the impact strength of poly(butylene succinate)/poly(lactic acid)wood flour composite under high dynamic loading. Moreover, when Fusabond MB 100 D is added as a coupling agent to the poly(butylene succinate)/poly(lactic acid)wood flour composite results of X-ray photo spectroscopy, fracture surface morphology and dynamical mechanical property indicate the interaction between the poly(butylene succinate)/poly(lactic acid) blend with the wood flour.