Abstract
This work presents and discusses the photo- and thermo-oxidation of some sustainable biocomposites based on biodegradable materials from renewable resources and virgin and recycled petroleum-based polymeric materials as matrix and reinforced with natural fibres. PP/wood flour, recycled PP/cellulose and PLA/wood flour composites were degraded by photo-oxidation in a microenvironment chamber, in parallel thermo-oxidation was performed in a forced-ventilation oven. Physical and chemical property changes were monitored by tensile testing, DSC, FTIR and SEM. Both PPW and recPPcell composites showed deterioration of the mechanical properties after 15 days of thermo-oxidation, indicating that the incorporated natural fibres influenced the thermal stability of the whole composite. PLAW showed a smaller increase in crystallinity (13%) and a decrease in melt temperature than the corresponding neat PLA. The advantages of reinforcement of PLA by natural fibres are shown by the dramatically improved thermal properties of PLAW compared to the neat polymer.
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