Thermal Degradation Mechanism and Decomposition Kinetic Studies of Poly(Ethylene Succinate)/Hemp Fiber Composites

The continuous depletion of natural resources coupled with plastics pollution, has prompted the scientific community to explore alternative biobased and/or biodegradable polymers. Poly(ethylene succinate) (PESu) is a promising substitute due to its high processability and controllable biodegradation rate. Meanwhile, hemp possesses interesting properties such as being lightweight, exhibiting excellent long-term mechanical stability, and having low carbon emissions, making it an ideal option for wood replacement. Thus, PESu/hemp fiber composites (with and without compatibilizer) were prepared novel sustainable materials with improved properties. The present study aims to investigate the thermal degradation of PESu/hemp fiber composites. More specifically, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) were employed to examine the degradation mechanism and identify decomposition products. The isoconversional methods of Vyazovkin and Friedman, as well as the model free methods, provided comparable results. Samples without compatibilizer were characterized by a two-step Cn autocatalytic mechanism, while those with compatibilizer showed a triple Cn mechanism. The main thermal degradation pathway of the composites was the & beta;-hydrogen scission of the polymeric backbone. In conclusion, this study provides information about the thermal behavior of PESu/hemp fiber composites useful for their application as alternative wood plastic composites (WPCs).

Automated summary

This study investigates the thermal degradation of PESu/hemp fiber composites and identifies that the main degradation pathway is the β-hydrogen scission of the polymeric backbone. The results provide valuable thermal behavior information for the application of these composites as alternative wood plastic composites (WPCs).