Study of compostable behavior of jute nano fiber reinforced biocopolyester composites in aerobic compost environment

Abstract

Jute nano fiber (JNF) reinforced biocopolyester-based composite sheets were prepared with 2% and 10 wt % filler loading and compostability tests were performed in simulated aerobic compost environment at ambient temperature for a period of 50 days. Weight loss study revealed that the incorporation of JNF enhanced the rate of degradation significantly. The unreinforced sample exhibited a steady loss in weight, whereas, the JNF reinforced samples showed three phase degradation. They had a steady weight loss up to 30 days followed by a plateau zone between 30 and 40 days and after that, there was again an increase in weight loss up to 50 days. The biodegraded samples were investigated for their change in molecular weight by Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC). The change in structure was examined by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and morphological change was observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Molecular weight study revealed the fact that Biocopolyester molecules had a significant breakdown in chain length during melt mixing with 10 wt % JNF, which was much less predominant in 2 wt % JNF loaded composites. Such a decrease in chain length and presence of 10 wt % JNF might have facilitated the biodegradation process resulting in highest weight loss.

A review of the fate of engineered nanomaterials in municipal solid waste streams

“…Results from these studies suggest that ENM presence does not negatively influence bio-nanocomposite degradation/disintegration processes and, in some instances, enhances such processes (e.g., Abreu et al 2015;Balaguer et al 2016;Maiti et al 2007;Ramos et al 2014;Ray et al 2003a;Ray et al 2003b;Stloukal et al 2015). Similar results from the composting of nano-fiber reinforced bio-copolyester composites have been reported (Maiti et al 2012).…”

Mechanical, Thermomechanical and Reprocessing Behavior of Green Composites from Biodegradable Polymer and Wood Flour

“…In recent years, several studies investigated the opportunity to replace traditional fillers, such as glass fibers or carbon black, with natural based materials [ 6 ]. Fillers can be derived from different sources including starch [ 7 ], chitin, microcrystalline cellulose [ 6 ], rice husk [ 8 ], jute [ 9 ], wood flour [ 10 ], cassava, starch-green coconut [ 11 ], palm [ 12 ], hemp [ 13 ], caraua [ 14 ], bagasse [ 4 ], bamboo, coffee ground [ 15 ], poultry feathers [ 16 ], flax [ 17 ], sisal, and cotton [ 18 ]. The benefit of using natural based materials lies, among other reasons, on reducing dependency on oil [ 19 ].…”

Antimicrobial activity and biodegradation behavior of poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)/clay nanocomposites

“…The aerobic compost was prepared using a composition stated in literature . The composition of the compost in dry weight is shredded leaves, 11.4%; cow‐dung, 40.8%; white bread, 2%; newspaper, 15.8%; saw dust, 7.8%; food waste, 19.2%; urea, 3%.…”