Biodegradable polymers/bamboo fiber biocomposite with bio-based coupling agent

Effects of lysine-based diisocyanate (LDI) as a coupling agent on the properties of biocomposite from poly (lactic acid) (PLA), poly (butylene succinate) (PBS) and bamboo fiber (BF) were investigated. Tensile properties, water resistance, and interfacial adhesion of both PLA/BF and PBS/BF composites were improved by the addition of LDI, whereas thermal flow became somewhat difficult due to cross-linking between polymer matrix and BF. Crystallization temperature and enthalpy in both composites were increased and decreased with increasing LDI content, respectively. The heat of fusion in both composites was decreased by addition of LDI, whereas there was no significant change in melting temperature. Thermal degradation temperature of both composites was lower than those of pure polymer matrix, but the composites with LDI showed higher degradation temperature than those without LDI. Enzymatic biodegradability of PLA/BF and PBS/BF composites was investigated by Proteinase K and Lipase PS, respectively. Both composites could be quickly decomposed by enzyme and the addition of LDI delayed the degradation.