Fully biodegradable natural fiber composites from renewable resources: All-plant fiber composites

Wood flour can be converted into thermoplastics through proper benzylation treatment, which introduces large benzyl group onto cellulose and partially deteriorates the ordered structure of the crystalline regions. By changing a series of parameters, like reaction temperature, concentration of aqueous caustic solution, species of phase transfer catalyst, etc., the extent of benzyl substitution is regulated within a wide range so that a balanced thermal formability and mechanical performance of the modified wood flour is obtained. By using the properly plasticized China fir sawdust as the matrix, both discontinuous and continuous sisal fibers are compounded to produce composites from renewable resources, respectively. These all-plant fiber composites are characterized by moderate mechanical properties and full biodegradability, and might act as alternative to petro-based materials in terms of structural applications. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.