Sustainable composites from poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) bioplastic and agave natural fibre

Smith, Megan K. M.; Paleri, Drupitha M.; Abdelwahab, Mohamed A.; Mielewski, Deborah F.; Misra, Manjusri; Mohanty, Amar K.

doi:10.1039/d0gc00365d

Cited by 62 publications

(50 citation statements)

References 37 publications

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“…The maximum degradation temperatures of PHB P226-based composites were similar to those of the pristine matrix (around 280 • C), but for composites with PHB P209E (Figure 11A), the incorporation of high contents of cellulose fibers, e.g., 40 wt.% load, increased the maximum thermal degradation from 236 • C to over 280 • C. This increase proves that, although the compatibility of PHB with the micronized fibers is not excellent, as seen in the SEM micrographs, there is some degree of interfacial adhesion between them [35]. Even if increases in the thermal stability have been reported in other studies, as is the example of PHB reinforced with agave fibers [39], the effects of the fiber incorporation on the thermal stability of PHB-based composites are debatable, with most studies showing decreases on the stability upon incorporation of natural fibers such as piassava [67], flax [66] almond shell, or rice husk [68].…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 69%

“…The effect of the reinforcement of Cel355 fibers on the flexural modulus of composites based on PLA and PHB matrices was in line with the results of the Young's modulus previously discussed, i.e., the increase in the fiber load led to a higher flexural modulus (Figure 6A). This is not surprising, though, given that the flexural modulus often follows the same pattern as the Young's modulus [39,40]. Moreover, the results obtained for PHBs In previous studies of PLA reinforced with a 40 wt.% load of bleached softwood kraft pulp, a similar increase of 3.0 GPa was registered when compared to the matrix [38], which shows that the micronized fibers used in this work, despite their reduced sizes, still have a good reinforcing effect.…”

Section: Flexural Propertiesmentioning

confidence: 82%

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Effect of the Micronization of Pulp Fibers on the Properties of Green Composites

et al. 2021

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Green composites, composed of bio-based matrices and natural fibers, are a sustainable alternative for composites based on conventional thermoplastics and glass fibers. In this work, micronized bleached Eucalyptus kraft pulp (BEKP) fibers were used as reinforcement in biopolymeric matrices, namely poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB). The influence of the load and aspect ratio of the mechanically treated microfibers on the morphology, water uptake, melt flowability, and mechanical and thermal properties of the green composites were investigated. Increasing fiber loads raised the tensile and flexural moduli as well as the tensile strength of the composites, while decreasing their elongation at the break and melt flow rate. The reduced aspect ratio of the micronized fibers (in the range from 11.0 to 28.9) improved their embedment in the matrices, particularly for PHB, leading to superior mechanical performance and lower water uptake when compared with the composites with non-micronized pulp fibers. The overall results show that micronization is a simple and sustainable alternative for conventional chemical treatments in the manufacturing of entirely bio-based composites.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 69%

Section: Flexural Propertiesmentioning

confidence: 82%

Effect of the Micronization of Pulp Fibers on the Properties of Green Composites

et al. 2021

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“…Wu et al 21 used acrylic acid to prepared a PHB compatibilizer (PHB‐g‐AA), observing that the replacement of PHB by PHB‐g‐AA improved the tensile strength from 12 to 15 MPa with 20% of wood fiber. Smith et al 22 carried out a peroxide agave fibers treatment previous to its blending with PHB. Their results showed increases in flexural, tensile, and impact strength compared to untreated agave fibers.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Biodegradability and improved mechanical performance of polyhydroxyalkanoates/agave fiber biocomposites compatibilized by different strategies

Gallardo‐Cervantes

González‐García

Pérez‐Fonseca

et al. 2020

J of Applied Polymer Sci

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In this work, biocomposites made of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) with natural fibers were produced via compression molding. In particular, polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and polyhydroxybutyrate‐co‐hydroxyvalerate (PHBV) were reinforced with 20 wt% of agave fibers. Different compatibilization strategies were investigated to improve the fiber‐matrix interaction: fiber surface treatment in PHA solution, fiber surface treatment in maleated PHA solution, fiber propionylation, and extrusion with maleated PHA. The biocomposites were characterized in terms of morphology, mechanical properties, water absorption, and biodegradability by CO2production tracking. In general, fiber propionylation was the best strategy for mechanical properties enhancement and water uptake decreasing. Biocomposites with propionylated fibers showed improved flexural strength (170% for PHB and 84% for PHBV). The flexural modulus was also enhanced with propionylated fibers up to 19% and 18% compared to uncompatibilized biocomposites (PHB and PHBV, respectively). Tensile strength increased by 16% (PHB) and 14% (PHBV), and the water absorption was reduced using propionylated fibers going from 6.6% to 4.4% compared with biocomposites with untreated fibers. Most importantly, the impact strength was also improved for all biocomposites by up to 96% compared with the neat PHA matrices. Finally, it was found that the compatibilization did not negatively modify the PHA biodegradability.

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“…Nevertheless, as a bioplastic, PHB has drawbacks, such as being brittle, hard and thermally unstable, making it challenging to use for applications like injection moulding in food industries [ 43 , 44 ]. As a pure material, PHB is highly crystalline (around 80%), resulting in the previously mentioned brittle nature and low elongations.…”

Section: Biosynthesised Plasticsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Macro and Micro Routes to High Performance Bioplastics: Bioplastic Biodegradability and Mechanical and Barrier Properties

et al. 2021

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On a score sheet for plastics, bioplastics have a medium score for combined mechanical performance and a high score for biodegradability with respect to counterpart petroleum-based plastics. Analysis quickly confirms that endeavours to increase the mechanical performance score for bioplastics would be far more achievable than delivering adequate biodegradability for the recalcitrant plastics, while preserving their impressive mechanical performances. Key architectural features of both bioplastics and petroleum-based plastics, namely, molecular weight (Mw) and crystallinity, which underpin mechanical performance, typically have an inversely dependent relationship with biodegradability. In the case of bioplastics, both macro and micro strategies with dual positive correlation on mechanical and biodegradability performance, are available to address this dilemma. Regarding the macro approach, processing using selected fillers, plasticisers and compatibilisers have been shown to enhance both targeted mechanical properties and biodegradability within bioplastics. Whereas, regarding the micro approach, a whole host of bio and chemical synthetic routes are uniquely available, to produce improved bioplastics. In this review, the main characteristics of bioplastics in terms of mechanical and barrier performances, as well as biodegradability, have been assessed—identifying both macro and micro routes promoting favourable bioplastics’ production, processability and performance.

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Sustainable composites from poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) bioplastic and agave natural fibre

Abstract: A sustainable composite based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) PHB and agave fibre was produced.

Cited by 62 publications

References 37 publications

Effect of the Micronization of Pulp Fibers on the Properties of Green Composites

Effect of the Micronization of Pulp Fibers on the Properties of Green Composites

Biodegradability and improved mechanical performance of polyhydroxyalkanoates/agave fiber biocomposites compatibilized by different strategies

Macro and Micro Routes to High Performance Bioplastics: Bioplastic Biodegradability and Mechanical and Barrier Properties

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