Environmental degradability of self-reinforced composites made from sisal

S elf-rei it forced sisal composites were prepared by molding slightly benzylated sisal fibers. The environmental degradation behavior of the materials was evaluated in the present paper with reference to the effects of ageing in water, enzyme solution and soil, respectively. It was found that the inherent biodegradability of plant fibers is still associated with the composites. In contrast to plant fiber/synthetic polymer composites, however, water resistance of the current composites is greatly increased as characterized by the insignificant variation in the mechanical properties of the composites before and after being aged in water. With the help of cellulase and fungi, the self-reinforced sisal composites can be degraded leading to weight loss and decay of mechanical performance. In the course of cellulase induced degradation, the insusceptibility of lignin to the enzyme decelerated the rate of deterioration, while the soil burial resulted in an overall decomposition of the composites. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.