Co-Injection Molded New Green Composites from Biodegradable Polyesters and Miscanthus Fibers

A novel concept of developing green composites with improved performance using co-injection molding technique has been established. Poly (butylene succinate) (PBS), poly (butylene adipate-co-terephtalate) (PBAT), and their blends were investigated as skin material. Composite core material was made from poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and miscanthus. Co-injected samples with good surface finish were achieved at a skin/core volume ratio of 40/60 and mold temperature of 45 degrees C. Notched impact strength of 140J/m, four times higher than that of neat core material and unnotched impact strength of almost 400J/m with modulus of more than 1GPa was achieved for the co-injection molded green composites. Good adhesion at the skin/core interface was observed under scanning electron microscopy.