Properties of biocomposites based on lignocellulosic fillers

This paper is focused on the analysis of the thermal and mechanical behaviour of processed biocomposites (biodegradable composites). These materials have been created by extrusion and injection moulding. The matrix, a biodegradable and aromatic copolyester (polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate), has been fully characterised (NMR, SEC). The lignocellulosic materials used as fillers are a by-product of an industrial fractionation process of wheat straw. Different filler fractions have been selected by successive sieving, and then carefully analysed (granulometry, chemical structure). Cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose contents have been determined through different techniques. The biocomposites thermal behaviour has been investigated by TGA (thermal degradation) and DSC (transition temperatures, crystallinity). These materials present good mechanical behaviour due to high filler-matrix compatibility. The impacts of filler content, filler size and the nature of each fraction have been analysed. To predict the mechanical behaviour, Takayanagi's equation seems to provide an accurate answer to evaluate the modulus in a range, 0-30 wt% of fillers. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.