Bio-Based Poly(butylene succinate)/Microcrystalline Cellulose/Nanofibrillated Cellulose-Based Sustainable Polymer Composites: Thermo-Mechanical and Biodegradation Studies

Abstract

<jats:p>Biodegradable polymer composites from renewable resources are the next-generation of wood-like materials and are crucial for the development of various industries to meet sustainability goals. Functional applications like packaging, medicine, automotive, construction and sustainable housing are just some that would greatly benefit. Some of the existing industries, like wood plastic composites, already encompass given examples but are dominated by fossil-based polymers that are unsustainable. Thus, there is a background to bring a new perspective approach for the combination of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) fillers in bio-based poly (butylene succinate) matrix (PBS). MCC, NFC and MCC/NFC filler total loading at 40 wt % was used to obtain more insights for wood-like composite applications. The ability to tailor the biodegradable characteristics and the mechanical properties of PBS composites is indispensable for extended applications. Five compositions have been prepared with MCC and NFC fillers using melt blending approach. Young’s modulus in tensile test mode and storage modulus at 20 °C in thermo-mechanical analysis have increased about two-fold. Thermal degradation temperature was increased by approximately 60 °C compared to MCC and NFC. Additionally, to estimate the compatibility of the components and morphology of the composite’s SEM analysis was performed for fractured surfaces. The contact angle measurements testified the developed matrix interphase. Differential scanning calorimetry evidenced the trans-crystallization of the polymer after filler incorporation; the crystallization temperature shifted to the higher temperature region. The MCC has a stronger effect on the crystallinity degree than NFC filler. PBS disintegrated under composting conditions in a period of 75 days. The NFC/MCC addition facilitated the specimens’ decomposition rate up to 60 days</jats:p>

The Impact of Filler Geometry on Polylactic Acid-Based Sustainable Polymer Composites

“…Further groups are polymers obtained by chemical synthesis: one from renewable sources (polylactic acid—PLA) and the other from various chemicals (e.g., polyvinyl alcohol, polyglycolic acid or polycaprolactone) [ 6 , 7 , 8 ]. Biopolymers are materials widely and extensively studied by scientists around the world for numerous applications, including as a potential polymer matrix for durable and biodegradable polymer composites [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ]. One of the most widely used biodegradable polymers, which can also be described as environmentally sustainable, is polylactic acid [ 13 , 14 , 15 ].…”

A Review of the Applications and Biodegradation of Polyhydroxyalkanoates and Poly(lactic acid) and Its Composites

“…The application of PLA could be extensive if its performance was enhanced to achieve suitable properties. Various approaches have been proposed, for instance, blending with other polymers, plasticizer [ 43 , 55 , 56 , 57 ], reinforcing materials in micro- (natural fibres, particles) and nanosize (nanoclays, carbon nanotubes, nanoparticles or nanocrystals) [ 50 , 53 , 58 , 59 , 60 ]. This review is mainly focused on blending PLA with polymers such as PHA, PLA/poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and other polymers which are discussed further in the following sections.…”

Dynamic Mechanical Behavior of Graphene Oxide Functionalized Curaua Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composites: A Brief Report

“…One class refers to sustainable biocomposites with biodegradable matrices [ 1 , 2 ]. A second class of nanocomposites display significant advantages when compared to conventional composites [ 3 , 4 ]. Incorporation of graphene and graphene-based materials, either separately as in both fiber and matrix, constitutes another successful class of NFPC with enhanced properties [ 5 ].…”