Thermal analysis of hydrolysis and degradation of biodegradable polymer and bio-composites

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to conduct a thermal analysis of the hydrolysis and degradation behavior of biodegradable polymers and bio-composites at 50A degrees C and 90% relative humidity (RH). With increasing hydrolysis time, the thermal stability and degradation temperature of polybutylene succinate (PBS) slightly decreased. The glass transition temperature (T (g)) and melting temperature (T (m)) of PBS and the anti-hydrolysis agent treated PBS did not vary significantly with increasing hydrolysis time, whereas those of the trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA)-treated PBS slightly increased. With increasing hydrolysis time, the storage modulus (E') values of the bio-composites decreased, whereas those of the TMPTA treated bio-composites slightly increased. Also, the tan values of the anti-hydrolysis agent and TMPTA treated PBS-BF bio-composites were slightly lower than those of the non-treated bio-composites, due to the reduction in their degree of hydrolysis. The tan delta(max) peak temperature (T (g)) of the anti-hydrolysis agent treated bio-composites was not significantly changed, whereas that of the TMPTA treated bio-composites was increased.