Effect of Abiotic Degradation on the Colorimetric Analysis, Mechanical Properties and Morphology of PLA Composites with Linen Fibers

Abstract

The manufacturing of composites from biomaterials enables the production of environment-and user-friendly biodegradable products. The matrix of such composite materials is made of biopolymers such as PLA or PGA, while the reinforcement is usually made of natural fibers. Such composites have unique physical and mechanical properties as well as distinctive, eye-catching performance and aesthetic characteristics such as texture, color or roughness. This paper presents the results of colorimetric examination of polymer-linen biocomposite materials under abiotic degradation. The colorimetric examination was made based on a CIELAB model determining the values of lightness, color saturation, chromatic colors and total color difference. The SEM morphology of the specimen surface fracture was also examined. The obtained results show a significant effect of abiotic degradation on the tested parameters.

Accelerated Weathering Testing (AWT) and Bacterial Biodegradation Effects on Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV)/Rapeseed Microfiber Biocomposites Properties

“…In addition, all the investigated systems during aging tended to fade out, as shown by increasing L* values. This is characteristic for natural fiber-reinforced biopolymer composites, as may be confirmed by results obtained by Aneta Tor-Świątek et al [ 32 ] for linen fiber–biopolymer composites or A.T. Michel for hemp fiber-reinforced PHB composites. As may be expected, a larger color change Δ E was observed for the investigated PHBV composites with higher amounts of microfibers.…”

The Effect of Fiber Arrangement in the Bio-Laminate and Geometric Parameters on the Stability of Thin-Walled Angle Column Under Axial Compression

“…Except to epoxy resin as a matrix, sustainable polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA) are increasingly used. The authors of papers [13] presents the research on the mechanical properties of flax/PLA bio-laminates, which can potentially be used as bumper beams [14][15]. Knowing the parameters of natural materials, it is possible to build composite structures, thanks to which it will be possible to replace synthetic materials.…”

Analysis of Selected Properties of Microporous PLA as a Result of Abiotic Degradation

“…Numerous studies on the various property changes of the modified PLA materials with powder and fiber additives are also highly interesting [30][31][32][33][34]. Powder additives, such as talc [35,36] and basalt [37,38], are commonly used in research.…”