Mechanical and Thermal Performance of PLA and PHBV- based Biopolymers as Potential Alternatives to PET

The evaluation of the mechanical and thermal properties of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), polylactide (PLA) and their biocomposites (containing 30%wt of sisal in their composition) has been studied and compared to poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). The addition of sisal to th...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: C. Moliner, J.D. Badia, B. Bosio, E. Arato, A. Lagazzo, M. Capurro, A. Ribes-Greus
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: AIDIC Servizi S.r.l. 2017-03-01
Series:Chemical Engineering Transactions
Online Access:https://www.cetjournal.it/index.php/cet/article/view/2300
Description
Summary:The evaluation of the mechanical and thermal properties of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), polylactide (PLA) and their biocomposites (containing 30%wt of sisal in their composition) has been studied and compared to poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). The addition of sisal to the biopolymeric matrix increased the elastic stiffness of the bio-composites achieving a performance which is comparable to PET. All biocomposites presented lower traction resistance and elongation values respect to PET.The addition of natural fibers improved the thermal stability of PHBV-based samples. The trigger of decomposition happened at lower temperatures respect to PET, but always far above their melting point ensuring a good performance of the composites at high processing temperatures. The apparent activation energies for the biocomposites in inert conditions respect to those for PET indicates a more suitable scenario from the energetic valorisation point of view.
ISSN:2283-9216