Preparation and properties of biocomposites based on jute fibers and blend of plasticized starch and poly(β‐hydroxybutyrate) |
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Authors: | Ramzi Belhassen José Alberto Méndez Sami Boufi Joan Pere López Josep Puig Angels Pèlach Pere Mutjé |
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Affiliation: | 1. LMSE, Faculte des Sciences de Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax BP 802‐3018, Tunisia;2. LEPAMAP Group, University of Girona, Campus Montilivi, Girona 17071, Spain |
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Abstract: | In this work, preparation and properties of biocomposites based on jute fibers and blend of plasticized starch and poly(β‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) have been investigated. Different amounts of glycerol and aliphatic polyesters (PHB) have been added to native starch to obtain a processable biodegradable matrix. In the same way natural jute fibers up to 30 wt % loading were added to improve the mechanical and thermal stability of the material. Tensile mechanical, thermal, and thermomecahnical analyses have been performed to characterize the ensuing materials. Significant enhancement in the mechanical properties and water sensitivity were noted by the addition of 8 wt % PHB. The fibers incorporation into the biopolymer matrix brings about an increase in both the mechanical strength and modulus as much higher as the fibers loading is important. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009 |
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Keywords: | biopolymers cellulose composites mechanical properties |
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