Biodegradable Polymer Composites Based on Poly(butylene succinate) Copolyesters and Wood Flour

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) is a biodegradable polyester.
• Wood-plastic composites (WPCs) offer sustainable material solutions.
• Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) combine rubber-like elasticity with thermoplastic processability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the biodegradation behavior of PBS-DLA copolyesters and their WPCs.
• To assess the impact of wood flour (WF) content on degradation characteristics.
• To evaluate the retention of thermoplastic elastomeric properties post-biodegradation.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of WPCs with varying WF content (10-40% wt).
• Analysis of surface morphology, chemical structure (ATR FT-IR), mechanical properties, and thermal stability (DSC, DMTA, TGA) before and after soil biodegradation.
• Microscopic analysis and spectroscopic techniques to confirm degradation mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Biodegradation observed as increased surface roughness and microcracks, particularly with higher WF content.
• ATR FT-IR confirmed oxidation and hydrolysis, indicating surface erosion.
• Mechanical properties (tensile strength, elongation at break) decreased, most significantly at 20% WF.
• PBS-DLA copolymer retained thermoplastic elastomeric behavior, with stable storage modulus and minor thermal property variations after 3 months of biodegradation.

Conclusions:

• The study confirms surface erosion as the primary degradation mechanism for PBS-DLA/WPC composites.
• Composites maintain their thermoplastic elastomeric nature post-biodegradation.
• PBS-DLA/WPC composites show promise for eco-friendly applications requiring controlled degradation, such as packaging and agriculture.