6533b861fe1ef96bd12c5918
RESEARCH PRODUCT
Hydrothermal ageing of polylactide/sisal biocomposites. Studies of water absorption behaviour and Physico-Chemical performance
José David BadiaJosé David BadiaOscar Gil-castellEmma StrömbergAlfonso Martinez-felipeAlfonso Martinez-felipeMonica EkSigbritt KarlssonSigbritt KarlssonAmparo Ribes-greusThorsak KittikornThorsak Kittikornsubject
Materials scienceAbsorption of waterBiocompositesSolucions polimèriquesPolymers and PlasticsTermoplàsticsCondensed Matter PhysicsHydrothermal degradationHydrothermal circulationSisalPolylactide (PLA)Mechanics of MaterialsMAQUINAS Y MOTORES TERMICOSMaterials ChemistryWater absorptionComposite materialcomputerNatural fibresSISALcomputer.programming_languagedescription
An accelerated hydrothermal degrading test was designed in order to analyse the synergic effect of water and temperature on PLA/sisal biocomposites with and without coupling agent. As well, the physicochemical properties of biocomposites were monitored along the hydrothermal test by means of Scanning Electron Microscopy, Size Exclusion Chromatography and Differential Scanning Calorimetry. The addition of fibre induced higher water absorption capability and promoted physical degradation, as observed in the surface topography. During the processing of biocomposites and throughout the hydrothermal ageing, a reduction of molecular weight due to chain scission was found. As a consequence, a faster formation of crystalline domains in the PIA matrix occurred the higher the amount of fibre was, which acted as a nucleating agent. Higher crystallinity was considered as a barrier against the advance of penetrant and a reduction in the diffusion coefficient was shown. The addition of coupling agent presented a different influence depending on the composition, showing an inflection point around 20% of sisal fibre. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-10-01 |