Polyester-based biocomposites containing wool fibres

Biocomposites based on a biodegradable polyester containing different amounts of wool fibres (up to 40 wt.%) were prepared by melt blending in an internal batch mixer. Wool fibres were used as received or pre-treated in order to preserve a high aspect ratio and increase adhesion with polymer matrix. Morphological, thermal, mechanical and dynamic-mechanical properties of the ensuing composites were investigated focusing the attention on fibre length and their distribution as well as on fibre/matrix interaction in order to correlate these aspects with polymer reinforcement. Data from mechanical and dynamic-mechanical analysis were also compared with theoretical models.