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Biodegradable composites: Morphological, chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties of composites of poly(hydroxybutyrate‐ co ‐hydroxyvalerate) with curaua fibers after exposure to simulated soil
Author(s) -
Beltrami Lílian V. R.,
Bandeira João A. V.,
Scienza Lisete C.,
Zattera Ademir J.
Publication year - 2014
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.40712
Subject(s) - thermogravimetric analysis , crystallinity , composite material , materials science , biodegradation , differential scanning calorimetry , composite number , ultimate tensile strength , thermal stability , dynamic mechanical analysis , scanning electron microscope , extrusion , fiber , natural fiber , polymer , chemical engineering , chemistry , physics , organic chemistry , engineering , thermodynamics
Composites produced from biodegradable polymeric matrixes reinforced with vegetable fibers have attractive mechanical properties and are environmentally friendly. This work is directed to the biodegradation of a composite made of a poly(hydroxybutyrate‐ co ‐hydroxyvalerate) matrix reinforced with curaua fibers (with and without alkaline treatment) in simulated soil. The composites were developed by extrusion and injection and were later buried in simulated soil according to the ASTM G160‐03 method. Scanning electron microscopy showed evidence of microbial attack on the samples surfaces. Infrared spectra showed that the composites biodegradation was mainly caused by erosion of the surface layer resulting from microorganisms activity. Thermogravimetric analysis pointed out reduced thermal stability of the samples, and results of differential scanning calorimetry showed that the degree of crystallinity increases and then decreases progressively throughout the degradation period, indicating that enzymatic degradation primarily occurs in the amorphous phase material and thereafter in the crystalline phase. For curaua composite fibers, reductions in tensile strength and elastic modulus are more significant, indicating that the presence of fibers promotes biodegradation of the curaua fiber. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131 , 40712.