Influence of different environments on degradation of composites with natural fibre

Abstract

The object of the present study was to demonstrate the behaviour of two polymer composites with natural fibre (Ramia/Ecoflex®, wood flour/PP) to exposure condition in natural environments. The environmental degradation of these composites took place in the Baltic Sea and compost. The incubation lasted for a period up to 24 months. The macro - and microscopic observations of polymer surface, weight changes and mechanical properties were tested during experiment. The characteristic parameters of both natural environments were also controlled during incubation time and their influence on the rate of degradation was discussed. The results revealed that kind of environment, where materials were landed, has significant influence on degradation rate. The environmental degradation proceeded faster in compost than in sea water. During the incubation in the Baltic Sea the conditions were favourable for the growth of bacteria while in the compost for fungi. The composition of composites with natural fibre had an influence on the rate of degradation process too. The obtained results indicate that the degradation of Ramia/Ecoflex® composite is faster than wood flour/PP composite in both natural environments.