Improved thermo-mechanical properties by the addition of natural fibres in starch-based sustainable biocomposites

• Sustainable biocomposites based on thermoplastic starch copolymers (Mater-Bi KE03B1) and biofibres (cotton, hemp and kenaf) were prepared and characterised in terms of their thermo-mechanical and morphological properties. Biocomposites exhibit improved thermal stability and mechanical properties in comparison with the Mater-Bi KE. Biofibres act as suitable thermal stabilizers for the Mater-Bi KE, by increasing the maximum decomposition temperature and the Ea associated to the thermal decomposition process. Biofibre addition into the Mater-Bi KE results in higher storage modulus and in a reduction of the free-volume-parameter associated to the Mater-Bi KE glass transition. The influence of different biofibres on the thermo-mechanical properties of the biocomposites has been discussed. Hemp and kenaf enhance the thermal stability and reduce the free volume-parameter of Mater-Bi KE more significantly than cotton fibres, although the latter exhibits the highest mechanical performance. These differences may be explained by the improved interaction of lignocellulosic fibres with the Mater-Bi KE, due to the presence of hemicellulose and lignin in their formulation. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Kemi -- Polymerkemi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Chemical Sciences -- Polymer Chemistry (hsv//eng)

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Kemi -- Materialkemi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Chemical Sciences -- Materials Chemistry (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Polymer-matrix composites (PMCs)

Thermomechanical

Electron microscopy

Thermal analysis

Bio-composites

Biofibres

Cotton fibres

Decomposition temperature

Mater-Bi

Mechanical performance

Morphological properties

Natural fibre

Starch-based

Storage moduli

Sustainable bio-composites

Thermal analysis

Thermal decomposition process

Thermal stability

Thermal stabilizers

Thermo-mechanical

Thermomechanical properties

Thermoplastic starch

Cotton

Cotton fibers

Glass transition

Hemp

Polymer matrix composites

Polypropylenes

Pyrolysis

Starch

Thermoanalysis

Thermodynamic stability

Mechanical properties

Composites

Electron Microscopy

Glass Transition Temperature

Polypropylene

Publikations- och innehållstyp

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