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Performance and biodegradability of a maleated polyester bioplastic/recycled sugarcane bagasse system
Author(s) -
Wu ChinSan
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of applied polymer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.575
H-Index - 166
eISSN - 1097-4628
pISSN - 0021-8995
DOI - 10.1002/app.33713
Subject(s) - biodegradation , materials science , bioplastic , bagasse , miscibility , composite number , maleic anhydride , adipate , polybutylene succinate , composite material , polyester , copolymer , polymer , chemical engineering , chemistry , organic chemistry , pulp and paper industry , waste management , engineering
The biodegradability, morphology, and mechanical properties of composite materials made of poly(butylene succinate adipate) (PBSA) and sugarcane bagasse (SCB) were evaluated. Composites containing maleic anhydride (MA)‐grafted PBSA (PBSA‐ g ‐MA/SCB) exhibited noticeably superior mechanical properties because of greater compatibility between the two components. The dispersion of SCB in the PBSA‐ g ‐MA matrix was highly homogeneous as a result of ester formation between the carboxyl groups of PBSA‐ g ‐MA and hydroxyl groups in SCB and the consequent creation of branched and crosslinked macromolecules. Each composite was subjected to biodegradation tests in a Rhizopus oryzae compost. Morphological observations indicated severe disruption of film structure after 60 days of incubation, and both the PBSA and the PBSA‐ g ‐MA/SCB composite films were eventually completely degraded. The PBSA‐ g ‐MA/SCB films were more biodegradable than those made of PBSA and exhibited a higher intrinsic viscosity, implying a strong connection between these characteristics and biodegradability. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011