Engineered Biobased Composites for Construction: Material Development, Multiscale Modeling, and Long-Term Durability

摘要

Fully biodegradable composite materials fabricated using natural fiber reinforcements and biopolymeric matrices derived from poly(P-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and PHB-co-poly(β-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), are being investigated as potential alternatives to traditional residential construction materials. The materials are envisioned to be rapidly renewable by using biogas from their anaerobic biodegradation as the feedstock for microbial production of the biopolymer and using plant-based materials for composite reinforcement and fillers. These biobased composites are being engineered to satisfy acceptable stiffness, strength, ductility, and in-service durability performance criteria while maintaining the propensity for rapid out-of-service anaerobic biodegradation. In this paper a brief overview of research on material development, mechanical properties, and multiscale modeling, as well as moisture absorption and long-term durability of PHBV-wood fiber filled composites with and without fiber treatments is given. This research is an interdisciplinary collaboration between structural, environmental, and chemical engineers.