Improved thermo-mechanical properties by the addition of natural fibres in starch-based sustainable biocomposites

Sustainable biocomposites based on thermoplastic starch copolymers (Mater-Bi KE03B1) and biofibres (cotton, hemp and kenaf) were prepared and characterised in terms of their thermo-mechanical and morphological properties. Biocomposites exhibit improved thermal stability and mechanical properties in comparison with the Mater-Bi KE. Biofibres act as suitable thermal stabilizers for the Mater-Bi KE, by increasing the maximum decomposition temperature and the Ea associated to the thermal decomposition process. Biofibre addition into the Mater-Bi KE results in higher storage modulus and in a reduction of the free-volume-parameter associated to the Mater-Bi KE glass transition. The influence of different biofibres on the thermo-mechanical properties of the biocomposites has been discussed. Hemp and kenaf enhance the thermal stability and reduce the free volume-parameter of Mater-Bi KE more significantly than cotton fibres, although the latter exhibits the highest mechanical performance. These differences may be explained by the improved interaction of lignocellulosic fibres with the Mater-Bi KE, due to the presence of hemicellulose and lignin in their formulation. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.The authors are grateful for the financial support received for this work from the Ministerio de Educacion y Ciencia (Spanish Government) and the European Regional Development Found for the economical support through the Project ENE2007/67584/C03-01. The Ministerio of Medio Ambiente (Spanish Government) is also acknowledged for its financial support through Project 555/2006/3-6.1.Moriana Torró, R.; Vilaplana, F.; Karlsson, S.; Ribes Greus, A. (2011). Improved thermo-mechanical properties by the addition of natural fibres in starch-based sustainable biocomposites. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing. (42):30-40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2010.10.00130404