Modification of biodegradable resin composites by natural product utilization

摘要

Recently, the utilization of plastic composites containing natural products which are more environmentally friendly is gaining popularity. These composites can drastically reduce raw material costs while recycling natural waste products such as flocks. In this study, composites of biodegradable resins with natural products such as waste cotton fiber, recycled paper, jute fiber and granulated starch were examined experimentally for their mechanical properties. The biodegradable resins, PCL and PBS, were grafted with maleic anhydride in order to increase the in compatibility with natural products. The kneading of these biodegradable resins with natural product additives was carried out using a segmental twin screw extruder. Tensile, three-point bending and Izod impact tests were carried out. There was an improvement in the material strength characteristics in the tensile and three-point bending response to an addition of natural products in all the composites tested. The tensile and bending strength greatly dependent on the aspect ratio of the additives. Waste cotton fiber, with the highest aspect ratio showed the largest values. The Izod impact value of all composites tested however decreased. For the tensile modulus for the composites, it was shown that the complex rule of Kerner could be applied for the composites with aspect ratio under 40. In addition, it was clarified that the heat-resistance of the waste cotton composite was the greatest of all the tested composites.