Biodegradable Composites Based on Polycaprolactone and Natural Reinforcements with Optimized Properties

LEANDRO LUDUEÑA; MIRIAN CASCO; ROMINA OLLIER; ANALÍA VAZQUEZ; VERA ALVAREZ

Donostia, San Sebastian, España

Congreso; COMATCOMP ´09; 2009

The main objective of this work was to obtain biodegradable composites from polycaprolactone and natural reinforcement with optimized mechanical properties by the chemical modification of bentonite or surface treatments on cellulose fibers. Ammonium and phosphonium salts were used as clay modifiers at different concentrations and times of reactions whereas alkaline-treatments (5, 10, 15 and 20 wt.% of NaOH and 10 wt.% of KOH); acetylation (with glacial acetic acid 1 or 2 hours followed by catalyzed acetic anhydride)  and esterification (treatments with stearic and lauric acids) were applied to cellulose fibers. Modified bentonites and cellulose fibers (TGA; DSC; FTIR; WAXS, water absorption; contact angle; SEM) were characterized and most compatible were used to prepare composites (15 wt.%) and nanocomposites (5 wt.%). Mechanical properties were correlated with chemical modifications.