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Effect of curauá fiber content on the properties of poly(hydroxybutyrate‐ co ‐valerate) composites
Author(s) -
Rossa Lilian Vanessa,
Scienza Lisete Cristine,
Zattera Ademir José
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
polymer composites
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.577
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1548-0569
pISSN - 0272-8397
DOI - 10.1002/pc.22432
Subject(s) - materials science , composite material , valerate , extrusion , fiber , scanning electron microscope , adhesion , butyrate , chemistry , food science , fermentation
Poly(hydroxybutyrate‐ co ‐valerate) (PHBV), a biodegradable polymer produced from a renewable microbiological source, was reinforced with varying amounts of curauá fibers (CFs). The composites were produced using a twin‐screw extrusion and injection process. Scanning electron microscopy showed poor adhesion between the matrix and fiber; however, mechanical testing showed that the addition of the fiber improved the mechanical properties. Composites with 20 and 30 wt% CF displayed the best properties; however, because of the difficulties in processing composites with a CF content of 30 wt%, it was concluded that the ideal content of CF was 20 wt%. POLYM. COMPOS., 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers