Properties of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) and sunflower head residue biocomposites

Utilization of low-value agricultural waste for polymer composite materials has great environmental and economical benefits. Sunflower head residue (SHR) as an agricultural waste may be used as a reinforcement in polymeric materials because of its fiber characteristics. In this work, composites of biodegradable poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and SHR were prepared via melt-extrusion compounding. To improve interfacial compatibility, maleic anhydride (MA) grafted PBAT (PBAT-g-MA) was prepared and used as a compatibilizer for the PBAT/SHR composites. The effects of the concentrations of SHR and PBAT-g-MA on the morphology, mechanical properties, melt rheology, and water resistance of the composites were examined. Interfacial adhesion between phases in the PBAT/SHR composites was enhanced by the introduction PBAT-g-MA as interface-strengthening agent, resulting in improved mechanical properties and moisture resistance of the composite. (C) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.