Poly(butylene succinate) reinforced with different lignocellulosic fibers

Biocomposites based on a polymer with good biodegradability, poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), and reinforced with different lignocellulosic fibers (coconut, sugarcane bagasse, curaua, sisal) were prepared through the traditional thermo-pressed molding technique. The fibers were characterized in terms of chemical composition, thermal stability (TGA), cristallinity (XRD) and surface morphology (SEM). The polymer thermal properties were evaluated by TGA and DSC. The composite characteristics were investigated by mechanical tests (Izod impact strength, flexural resistance), thermal stability (TGA), water uptake and SEM micrographs of the fractured surfaces. The results showed that sisal and curaua fibers feature a huge potential as reinforcing agents of PBS due to their superior chemical compatibility with the aliphatic matrix as well as to their surface morphology. Both factors contributed to the formation of a strong interface capable to effectively transfer the load from the matrix to the fibers. Sisal/PBS and curaua/PBS composites also showed greater resistance against water absorption if compared to coconut/PBS and sugarcane bagasse/PBS composites. Novel biocomposites with good properties were produced from fibers and polymer that can obtained from renewable raw materials. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.