Weathering and Biodegradation Study on Graft Copolymer Compatibilized Hybrid Bionanocomposites of Poly(Lactic Acid)

Abstract

This work reports on the influence of moisture absorption and accelerated weathering on the properties of graft copolymer compatibilized bionanocomposites of poly(lactic acid) (PLA). Moisture absorption tests were conducted for 30 days by immersing the samples in a distilled water bath at room temperature, and the amount of moisture absorbed in each time interval was measured. The rate of moisture uptake decreased by incorporation of C30B nanoclay and graft copolymer into fiber-reinforced PLA composites. Changes in the mechanical properties of composites in each time interval of moisture absorption were investigated using tensile and impact tests. Exposure to moisture caused significant drops in the mechanical properties. The morphological characterization of biocomposites during the aforementioned tests has been made using SEM, while bionanocomposites were analyzed by TEM. Further, this paper also reported the effect of accelerated weathering on the mechanical properties and the results are confirmed through SEM analysis. Biodegradation behaviors of PLA biocomposites and bionanocomposites have also been studied.

Influence of agro-industrial wastes over the abiotic and composting degradation of polylactic acid biocomposites

“…Although the coupling agent showed to be effective in the flexural and tensile properties for agave biocomposites (at weathering time 0), the humidity of weathering conditions causes water absorption of the fibers inducing the fibermatrix debonding. 39 The less compatibility achieved in coir biocomposites (at weathering time 0) resulted in materials in which fiber debonding by weathering becomes easier, and consequently, a lower tensile load was supported. Contrary to the tensile strength, where good compatibility is essential to avoid fiber debonding, the results of flexural properties showed that weathering conditions cause lower damage to coir fibers biocomposites by their higher lignin content that reduce fibers swelling.…”

A Review of Weathering Studies in Plastics and Biocomposites—Effects on Mechanical Properties and Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

“…The main degradation products are carboxylic end groups, ketones, hydroperoxides, and hydroxyl products. Additionally, the addition of nano clays results in the formation of an intricate labyrinthine network that slows down the diffusion of water, leading to increased resistance to accelerated weathering [ 55 ].…”

Investigation of Mechanical and Printing Properties of Poly(Lactıic Acid) and Composite Filaments Used in 3d Printers

“…It was determined that amorphous and crystalline PLA lament specimens in humid environments at various temperatures showed signi cant moisture absorption and allow hydrolysis to occur [9]. Exposure to moisture causes signi cant reductions in the mechanical properties of PLA lament and leads to a change in other properties such as surface roughness [10][11][12]. The degree of crystallinity of PLA laments that have been dehumidi ed or exposed to water increases.…”