Study on the Biodegradation of Poly(Butylene Succinate)/Wheat Bran Biocomposites.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) is a biodegradable polyester.
• Wheat bran (WB) is a natural byproduct with potential as a filler in biocomposites.
• Understanding the biodegradation behavior of PBS/WB biocomposites is crucial for sustainable material development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the biodegradation process of PBS/WB biocomposites under controlled composting conditions.
• To evaluate the effects of biodegradation time and wheat bran content on the structural and thermal properties of the biocomposites.
• To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the observed property changes during biodegradation.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of PBS/WB biocomposite injection mouldings with varying WB content (10%, 30%, 50%).
• Biodegradation in compost-filled bioreactors under controlled temperature and humidity.
• Analysis of structural and thermal properties using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC).

Main Results:

• Biodegradation time significantly influenced the structural and thermal properties of PBS/WB biocomposites.
• Crystallinity degree increased, while molecular mass decreased sharply with extended biodegradation time due to enzymatic hydrolysis of ester bonds.
• Higher wheat bran content resulted in greater mass loss and reduced thermal resistance and molecular mass, while increasing crystallinity.

Conclusions:

• The biodegradation of PBS/WB biocomposites is governed by enzymatic hydrolysis, leading to significant changes in material properties.
• Wheat bran content acts as a critical factor influencing the biodegradation rate and the final properties of the biocomposite.
• These findings provide valuable insights for designing and optimizing biodegradable PBS-based materials for specific applications.