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Τhe effect of wood‐fiber type on the thermomechanical performance of a biodegradable polymer matrix
Author(s) -
Georgiopoulos Panayiotis,
Kontou Evagelia
Publication year - 2015
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.42185
Subject(s) - materials science , composite material , polymer , polymer science , matrix (chemical analysis) , fiber
The effect of type and content of wood fibers on the thermal, mechanical and rheological behavior of the commercial biodegradable polyester product, Ecovio® (BASF) is analytically studied. Ecovio® is basically a blend of poly(butylene adipate‐terephthalate) copolyester (Ecoflex®, BASF) and polylactide. Three different types of wood fibers, based either on raw cellulose (Arbocel) or selected conifers (Lignocel), with varying fiber size at various weight fractions were used for this purpose. The role of these fibers on the thermomechanical performance of Ecovio® was investigated in terms of several experimental techniques including scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, creep, tensile testing, and water uptake at room temperature. At the low wood fiber content (20 wt %), Lignocel composite's properties are predominant compared with the Arbocel composites. It has been found, that at this wood content, an efficient compatibility between matrix and fibers is achieved, leading to superior reinforcement. This trend is completely reversed at higher filler loading, probably due to the poor interfacial adhesion between the matrix and Lignocel occurring at 30 wt %. This behavior was supported by all the experimental methods employed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132 , 42185.