Biodegradation Behavior of Unidirectional Fiber-Reinforced "Green" Composites
Shinji OCHI and Hitoshi TAKAGI
Abstract:This research was carried out to examine biodegradation behavior of "green" composites reinforced by Manila hemp fibers. The composites are consisted of Manila hemp fibers as a reinforcement and starch-based emulsion-type biodegradable polymer as a matrix. Manila hemp fibers, biodegradable resin and unidirectional fiber-reinforced "green" composites were composted from 1day to 30days using a composting machine. After composting tests, the tensile tests and microscopic observation were performed. The experimental results showed that tensile strength and weight of "green" composites decreased with increasing composting time. In the case of composting time of 1 day, the tensile strength of hemp fibers and "green" composites did not decrease. However the tensile strength of these rapidly decreases after 2 days composting, and the tensile strength of "green" composites decreased 80% after 20 days composting. It can be seen that "green" composites degrade faster than biodegradable resin. Key Words:"Green" composites, Manila hemp fiber, Biodegradable plastics, Biodegradation, Composting