Biodegradable fibre-reinforced composites composed of poly (lactic acid) and poly (butylene succinate)

Recent concern over the harmful effects on the ecology of long-lasting plastics and other synthetics has led to heightened interest in the development of more environmentally sustainable materials. Attention has been paid, in particular, to the biodegradable thermoplastic polymers, poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and poly (butylene succinate) (PBS). However, although these materials have been widely used in biomedical and packaging applications for a number of years, their potential as components of a composite system has not been examined. This study focuses on the design and manufacture of a biodegradable composite based on PLA and PBS. Differential Scanning Calorimeter is used to evaluate the melting behaviours of the PLA yarn, PLA film and PBS film, so that a suitable processing temperature can be found. Two different types of unidirectional biodegradable composites, PLA self-reinforced and PLA reinforced PBS matrix composites, are produced. The composites are tested for tensile strength and initial modulus. The cross-section and the tensile fracture surface of the composites are also examined by scanning electron microscope. Compared with the PLA and PBS films, the tensile strength and initial modulus of both the PLA self-reinforced and the PLA-PBS composites are significantly higher