Improving the Compostability of Natural Fiber-Reinforced Thermoset Composites with a Tertiary Oil Phase

Although fiberglass-reinforced composites play important roles in many industrial applications, the non-biodegradability of the fibers poses some environmental concerns. In this study, bamboo, cotton and hemp are used as natural reinforcing fibers for polyester and epoxy composites. A tertiary oil phase is also added to the matrix and its effect on material biodegradability is characterized. Results show that material biodegradability is increased up to 100% under controlled composting conditions with oil addition. Polyester biodegrades more effectively than epoxy under both macroscopic and microscopic mechanisms. Mechanical strengths of the polyester composites are also found to correlate strongly with material biodegradability.