Bio-Based Poly(butylene succinate)/Microcrystalline Cellulose/Nanofibrillated Cellulose-Based Sustainable Polymer Composites: Thermo-Mechanical and Biodegradation Studies

Biodegradable polymer composites from renewable resources are the next-generation of wood-like materials and are crucial for the development of various industries to meet sustainability goals. Functional applications like packaging, medicine, automotive, construction and sustainable housing are just some that would greatly benefit. Some of the existing industries, like wood plastic composites, already encompass given examples but are dominated by fossil-based polymers that are unsustainable. Thus, there is a background to bring a new perspective approach for the combination of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) fillers in bio-based poly (butylene succinate) matrix (PBS). MCC, NFC and MCC/NFC filler total loading at 40 wt % was used to obtain more insights for wood-like composite applications. The ability to tailor the biodegradable characteristics and the mechanical properties of PBS composites is indispensable for extended applications. Five compositions have been prepared with MCC and NFC fillers using melt blending approach. Young’s modulus in tensile test mode and storage modulus at 20 °C in thermo-mechanical analysis have increased about two-fold. Thermal degradation temperature was increased by approximately 60 °C compared to MCC and NFC. Additionally, to estimate the compatibility of the components and morphology of the composite’s SEM analysis was performed for fractured surfaces. The contact angle measurements testified the developed matrix interphase. Differential scanning calorimetry evidenced the trans-crystallization of the polymer after filler incorporation; the crystallization temperature shifted to the higher temperature region. The MCC has a stronger effect on the crystallinity degree than NFC filler. PBS disintegrated under composting conditions in a period of 75 days. The NFC/MCC addition facilitated the specimens’ decomposition rate up to 60 days

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Thermal and Thermomechanical Properties of Poly(butylene succinate) Nanocomposites

Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology ◽

10.1166/jnn.2008.18231 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. 1679-1689 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Mamookho E. Makhatha ◽

Suprakas Sinha Ray ◽

Joseph Hato ◽

Adriaan S. Luyt

Keyword(s):

Thermal Stability ◽

Tensile Modulus ◽

Melting Behavior ◽

Mechanical Analysis ◽

Thermomechanical Properties ◽

Scanning Calorimetry ◽

Melt Mixing ◽

Butylene Succinate ◽

Modulated Differential Scanning Calorimetry ◽

Thermal Stability Of

This article describes the thermal and thermomechanical properties of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and its nanocomposites. PBS nanocomposites with three different weight ratios of organically modified synthetic fluorine mica (OMSFM) have been prepared by melt-mixing in a batch mixer at 140 °C. The structure and morphology of the nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations that reveal the homogeneous dispersion of the intercalated silicate layers into the PBS matrix. The thermal properties of pure PBS and the nanocomposite samples were studied by both conventional and temperature modulated differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses, which show multiple melting behavior of the PBS matrix. The investigation of the thermomechanical properties was performed by dynamic mechanical analysis. Results reveal significant improvement in the storage modulus of neat PBS upon addition of OMSFM. The tensile modulus of neat PBS is also increased substantially with the addition of OMSFM, however, the strength at yield and elongation at break of neat PBS systematically decreases with the loading of OMSFM. The thermal stability of the nanocomposites compared to that of the pure polymer sample was examined under both pyrolytic and thermooxidative environments. It is shown that the thermal stability of PBS is increased moderately in the presence of 3 wt% of OMSFM, but there is no significant effect on further silicate loading in the oxidative environment. In the nitrogen environment, however, the thermal stability systematically decreases with increasing clay loading.

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Effect of different amounts of modified talc on the mechanical, thermal, and crystallization properties of poly(butylene succinate)

Journal of Polymer Engineering ◽

10.1515/polyeng-2013-0229 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 34 (4) ◽

pp. 379-385 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Bingxin Sun ◽

Chengzhi Chuai ◽

Si Luo ◽

Ying Guo ◽

Chunyang Han

Keyword(s):

Thermal Stability ◽

Mechanical Test ◽

Gravimetric Analysis ◽

Scanning Calorimetry ◽

Electron Microscopic ◽

Butylene Succinate ◽

Crystallinity Degree ◽

Crystallization Properties ◽

Twin Screw ◽

Microscopic Studies

Abstract Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) with different ratios of modified talc was prepared by twin-screw extruding. The effect of different loading amounts of talc on the mechanical, thermal, and crystallization properties of PBS was investigated. The mechanical test results indicate that the stiffness of the composites was increased linearly with increasing talc content, and the tensile strength and elongation stayed at relatively high levels when the talc amount is <15 phr. Thermal gravimetric analysis showed that the thermal stability of PBS composites was improved notably with a small amount (5–10 phr) of talc; however, high loading of talc did not help further improve the thermal stability. Differential scanning calorimetry data showed that the melting enthalpy (ΔHm), crystallization enthalpy (ΔHc), and crystallinity degree (Xc) decreased when the talc increased and crystallization temperature (Tc) was moving to relatively high values. The results of X-ray diffraction demonstrated that the incorporation of talc inhibited the PBS crystallization behavior significantly but did not change the crystal structure. Scanning electron microscopic studies indicated that the homogeneous dispersion and smoother fracture surfaces of the composite became inhomogeneous and coarse with higher talc loading.

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Ionizing Radiation Effects on Interfaces in Carbon Nanotube-Polymer Composites

MRS Proceedings ◽

10.1557/proc-697-p9.7 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 697 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Julie P. Harmon ◽

Patricia Anne O. Muisener ◽

LaNetra Clayton ◽

John D'Angelo ◽

Arun K. Sikder ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Carbon Nanotube ◽

Gamma Radiation ◽

Total Dose ◽

Dose Rate ◽

Polymer Composites ◽

Radiation Effects ◽

Mechanical Analysis ◽

Scanning Calorimetry ◽

Radiation Induced ◽

Radiation Induced Chemistry

AbstractThe purpose of this research was to probe nanotube-polymer composites for evidences of radiation induced chemistry at the interface of the host polymer and the nanotube structures. Single wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) / poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) composites were fabricated and exposed to gamma radiation with a Co60 source at a dose rate of 1.28 X 106 rad/hour in an air environment for a total dose of 5.9 Mrads. Neat nanotube paper and neat PMMA were also exposed. Spun coat films of SWNT/PMMA were exposed to gamma radiation with a Ce157at a dose rate of 4.46 x 103 rad/hr for a total dose of 3.86 Mrads. Both irradiated and non-irradiated samples were compared. Glass transition temperatures were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry. Dynamic mechanical analysis and dielectric analysis evidenced changes in relaxations induced by irradiation. Irradiated composites exhibited radiation induced chemistry distinct from degradation effects noted in the pure polymer. Scanning electron microscopy provided images of the SWNTs and SWNT/PMMA interface before and after irradiation. This investigation imparts insight into the nature of radiation induced events in nanotubes and nanocomposites.

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Nano-Brushes of Alcohols Grafted onto Cellulose Nanocrystals for Reinforcing Poly(Butylene Succinate): Impact of Alcohol Chain Length on Interfacial Adhesion

Polymers ◽

10.3390/polym12010095 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 95 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Hatem Abushammala

Keyword(s):

Surface Properties ◽

Chain Length ◽

Cellulose Nanocrystals ◽

Interfacial Adhesion ◽

Mechanical Analysis ◽

Toluene Diisocyanate ◽

Hydroxyl Groups ◽

Water Contact ◽

Butylene Succinate ◽

Degradation Temperature

Despite the many interesting properties of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), their hydrophilicity is one of the main challenges for their processing with hydrophobic polymers and matrices. To overcome this challenge, this paper describes the preparation of brush-like CNCs with tailored surface properties by grafting alcohols of different chain lengths onto their surfaces. Ethanol, 1-butanol, 1-hexanol, and 1-octanol were grafted on the CNC surface using 2,4-toluene diisocyanate (TDI) as a linker. The CNCs were characterized for their structural, morphological, surface, and thermal properties. Because of the grafting, the water contact angle of the CNCs significantly increased from 32° to up to 120°, which was dependent on the chain length of the grafted alcohol. The thermal stability of the CNCs was also improved, mainly as a result of the reaction of TDI with the CNC hydroxyl groups. Later, the CNCs were used to reinforce films of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), which were then characterized using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). An increase of up to two-fold in the storage modulus was observed using DMA, which was dependent on the chain length of the grafted alcohol. However, no change in the glass transition temperature or degradation temperature of PBS was detected. This approach is proved efficient for tailoring the surface properties of CNCs towards excellent interfacial adhesion in their composites.

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Melt Memory Effects in Poly(butylene succinate) Studied by Differential Fast Scanning Calorimetry

Polymers ◽

10.3390/polym12122796 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (12) ◽

pp. 2796

Author(s):

Leire Sangroniz ◽

Connie Ocando ◽

Dario Cavallo ◽

Alejandro J. Müller

Keyword(s):

Memory Effect ◽

Point Of View ◽

Heating Rates ◽

Scanning Calorimetry ◽

Butylene Succinate ◽

Crystallinity Degree ◽

Final Performance ◽

Fast Scanning Calorimetry ◽

History Of ◽

Short Times

It is widely accepted that melt memory effect on polymer crystallization depends on thermal history of the material, however a systematic study of the different parameters involved in the process has been neglected, so far. In this work, poly(butylene succinate) has been selected to analyze the effect of short times and high cooling/heating rates that are relevant from an industrial point of view by taking advantage of fast scanning calorimetry (FSC). The FSC experiments reveal that the width of melt memory temperature range is reduced with the time spent at the self-nucleation temperature (Ts), since annealing of crystals occurs at higher temperatures. The effectiveness of self-nuclei to crystallize the sample is addressed by increasing the cooling rate from Ts temperature. The effect of previous standard state on melt memory is analyzed by (a) changing the cooling/heating rate and (b) applying successive self-nucleation and annealing (SSA) technique, observing a strong correlation between melting enthalpy or crystallinity degree and the extent of melt memory. The acquired knowledge can be extended to other semicrystalline polymers to control accurately the melt memory effect and therefore, the time needed to process the material and its final performance.

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Properties of Biodegradable Films Based on Poly(butylene Succinate) (PBS) and Poly(butylene Adipate-co-Terephthalate) (PBAT) Blends

Polymers ◽

10.3390/polym12102317 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (10) ◽

pp. 2317

Author(s):

Anna Raffaela de Matos Costa ◽

Andrea Crocitti ◽

Laura Hecker de Carvalho ◽

Sabrina Carola Carroccio ◽

Pierfrancesco Cerruti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gas Permeability ◽

Water Vapor Permeability ◽

Sharp Decrease ◽

Barrier Properties ◽

Tensile Tests ◽

Sem Analysis ◽

Vapor Permeability ◽

Biodegradable Films ◽

Scanning Calorimetry ◽

Butylene Succinate

Compression molded biodegradable films based on poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) at varying weights were prepared, and their relevant properties for packaging applications are here reported. The melt rheology of the blends was first studied, and the binary PBS/PBAT blends exhibited marked shear thinning and complex thermoreological behavior, due to the formation of a co-continuous morphology in the 50 wt% blend. The films were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), mechanical tensile tests, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and oxygen and water vapor permeability. PBS crystallization was inhibited in the blends with higher contents of PBAT, and FTIR and SEM analysis suggested that limited interactions occur between the two polymer phases. The films showed increasing stiffness as the PBS percentage increased; further, a sharp decrease in elongation at break was noticed for the films containing percentages of PBS greater than 25 wt%. Gas permeability decreased with increasing PBS content, indicating that the barrier properties of PBS can be tuned by blending with PBAT. The results obtained point out that the blend containing 25 wt% PBS is a good compromise between elastic modulus (135 MPa) and deformation at break (390%) values. Overall, PBS/PBAT blends represent an alternative for packaging films, as they combine biodegradability, good barrier properties and reasonable mechanical behavior.

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Influence of particle size of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) on barrier property against agglomeration of homogenized microcrystalline cellulose (HMCC) in iPP/HMCC composites

Journal of Polymer Engineering ◽

10.1515/polyeng-2017-0004 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 38 (3) ◽

pp. 213-222 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ning Xu ◽

Enyong Ding ◽

Feng Xue

Keyword(s):

Microcrystalline Cellulose ◽

Isotactic Polypropylene ◽

Mechanical Performance ◽

Milling Process ◽

Barrier Property ◽

Scanning Electron Micrographs ◽

Melt Flow Rate ◽

Relative Crystallinity ◽

Crystallinity Degree ◽

Degradation Temperature

AbstractIsotactic polypropylene (iPP) powders were treated by a colloid mill for different times to obtain a series of particle sizes ranging from 682 μm to 89 μm. The relative crystallinity degree index (Xc, %) calculated by X-ray diffraction, and the initial degradation temperature measured by thermogravimetry, were all reduced after the milling process, which revealed that the structure of iPP molecular chains was destroyed during the powerful shearing and friction action. Furthermore, the increasing melt flow rate (MFR) index indicated that the molecular weight of iPP had reduced during the mechanical treatment. Scanning electron micrographs showed the inevitable agglomeration of homogenized microcrystalline cellulose (HMCC) fibers after being dried directly without iPP powders. However, the addition of achieved superfine iPP powders presented a good barrier property against the agglomeration phenomenon and consequent improvement in mechanical performance of the iPP/HMCC composites.

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The effects of magnesium oxide on the thermal, morphological, and crystallinity properties of metallocene linear low-density polyethylene/rubbers composite

Journal of Polymer Engineering ◽

10.1515/polyeng-2013-0014 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 33 (3) ◽

pp. 229-238 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Ismaeel M. Alwaan ◽

Azman Hassan

Keyword(s):

Magnesium Oxide ◽

Continuous Phase ◽

Low Density Polyethylene ◽

Low Density ◽

Scanning Electron Micrographs ◽

Linear Low Density Polyethylene ◽

Scanning Calorimetry ◽

Crystallinity Degree ◽

Degradation Temperature ◽

Rubber Phase

Abstract The effects on the thermal, morphological, and crystallinity properties of the different loadings of magnesium oxide (MgO) blended with 10% rubbers [9:1 natural rubber (NR)/epoxidized NR] and metallocene linear low-density polyethylene (mLLDPE) in the presence of N,N-m-phenylenebismaleimide (HVA-2) compatibilizer were investigated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that the epoxy and double-bond groups were absent in the blends. The crystallinity degree of mLLDPE composites were determined based on the results of differential scanning calorimetry. The crystallinity of the blends was continuously increased by the loading of MgO compared with blend of 0 phr MgO. Based on thermogravimetric analysis, the degradation temperature of NR in the blends with MgO is significantly enhanced compared with a pure NR and 0 phr MgO blend. The observations of the scanning electron micrographs indicate that the HVA-2 had caused a cross-linking reaction in the rubber phase and the domains of the MgO are separated from the continuous phase (mLLDPE).

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Manufacturing and compatibilization of binary blends of polyethylene and poly(bulylene succinate) by injection molding

Journal of Applied Research in Technology & Engineering ◽

10.4995/jarte.2021.15727 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

pp. 71

Author(s):

Sandra Rojas-Lema ◽

Juan Ivorra-Martinez ◽

Jaume Gomez-Caturla ◽

Rafael Balart ◽

Daniel Garcia-Garcia

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

Injection Molding ◽

Weight Ratio ◽

Tensile Modulus ◽

Halloysite Nanotubes ◽

Mechanical Tests ◽

Standard Samples ◽

Scanning Calorimetry ◽

Butylene Succinate ◽

Degradation Temperature

<p class="JARTEAbstract">In this study was analyzed the effect of three different compatibilizers polyethylene-graft-maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA), unmodified halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), and HNTs treated by silanization with (3-glycidyloxypropyl) trimethoxysilane (GLYMO) (silanized HNTs) in blends of bio-based high-density polyethylene (bioPE) and poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) with a weight ratio of (70/30). Each compatibilizer was added in a proportion of (3 phr regarding PBS). Standard samples were obtained by extrusion and subsequent injection molding. The analyzes of the samples were performed by mechanical tests, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and wettability (θ<sub>w</sub>). Results suggest that the addition of modified HNTs (silanized HNTs) allowed to obtain better properties than samples compatibilized with unmodified HNTs and PE-g-MA, due to it contributes with the improvement in mechanical properties regarding bioPE/PBS blend, for instance, the tensile modulus and elongation at break increase about 8% and 13%, respectively. In addition, it was determined through FESEM images and that silanized HNTs particles were better dispersed over the matrix, which in fact contribute to the enhance in mechanical properties. TGA showed that silanized HNTs delay the degradation temperature regarding the uncompatibilized blend. While DMTA indicated the reduction in the mobility of the chains in samples with unmodified and modified HNTs. Therefore, it was successfully obtained compatibilized bioPE/PBS blends, which constitutes an interesting option to develop new sustainable polymers.</p>

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Castor Oil and Microcrystalline Cellulose Based Polymer Composites with High Tensile Strength

Advanced Materials Research ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/amr.399-401.1531 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 399-401 ◽

pp. 1531-1535 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Shi Da Miao ◽

You Yan Liu ◽

Ping Wang ◽

Song Ping Zhang

Keyword(s):

Tensile Strength ◽

Polymer Composites ◽

Microcrystalline Cellulose ◽

Castor Oil ◽

Mechanical Tests ◽

Phenyl Isocyanate ◽

Sem Analysis ◽

Cellulose Content ◽

X Ray Diffraction ◽

High Cellulose

Castor oil and microcrystalline cellulose were employed as biomass feedstock to produce bio-based polymer composites with increased tensile strength. The polymer composites were prepared by curing castor oil with 4,4'-methylenebis (phenyl isocyanate) (MDI) in the presence of microcrystalline cellulose (MC) or modified MC (MMC). The MMC was prepared by reacting MDI with MC to introduce isocyanate groups to the surface of MC. X-ray diffraction spectra suggested the good retention of the crystalline structure of MC or MMC in the composites. SEM analysis showed the well dispersion of MC or MMC in the composites. All of these factors are critical to reinforcing the composites. Mechanical tests of the composites revealed that the reinforcing effect of MMC was more significant than MC at high cellulose content such that the highest tensile strengths of 4.87 MPa was obtained for the composite containing 43% (wt) of MMC. That is almost 5 times higher than that of neat castor oil-based polyurethane.

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