Biodegradable Composites Based on Poly(-Caprolactone) and Bacterial Cellulose as a Reinforcing Agent
Bacterial cellulose (BC) pellicles produced from Acetobacter xylinum culture were used as a reinforcing agent for biodegradable composites with poly(-caprolactone) (PCL) as a matrix. BC prepared in both particulate bacterial cellulose (PBC) and fibrous freeze-dried bacterial cellulose (FBC) states was melt-compounded with PCL. Thermal analysis was carried out using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Mechanical properties were assessed by tensile tests and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and morphological analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results showed a significant improvement in mechanical properties of PCL through the addition of both PBC and FBC, with the latter giving better mechanical properties compared with PBC. PCL/FBC composites, based on high-aspect ratio cellulose nanofibres, showed higher tensile strength and strain at break than particulate PCL/PBC while modulus was similar for both types of composites.
Keywords: BACTERIAL CELLULOSE; BIOCOMPOSITE; BIODEGRADABLE; MECHANICAL PROPERTIES; NANOCOMPOSITE; POLY(-CAPROLACTONE)
Document Type: Research Article
Publication date: 01 December 2010
- The goal of the creation of a biobased economy is challenging to agriculture, forestry, academia, government and industry. The extractable resources of the Earth are finite, regardless of the quibble over when they will be depleted. The economic, political and social demands for biobased chemicals, materials and energy are expected to radically transform the materials industries, particularly the plastics industry as well as the biofuel industry. These changes will be based on the principles of sustainability, eco-efficiency, industrial ecology, and green chemistry and engineering. In keeping with the growth of knowledge in this field, there is a strong need for a forum to share original research related to biobased materials and bioenergy. The Journal of Biobased Materials and Bioenergy (JBMB) has been created as an international peer-reviewed periodical to fulfill the need for communication in these research areas. This journal will encompass related research activities in all fields of science, engineering and the life sciences.
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