Study on the rate and time of biodegradation under controlled conditions of natural fibers of fique (Furcraea andina) and cotton (Gossypium barbadense)

Abstract

Time and percentage of biodegradation of fique, cotton and polypropylene fibers was determined by the methodology of ASTM 5988-12. The degradation of the polypropylene used in pea crop in Nariño generates environmental problems, reason that motivates this study. In parallel, texture analysis of the fibers exposed to real environmental conditions was done. The CO2 produced was trapped with KOH and indirectly calculated by titration with HCl. A zero-reaction order was assumed for biodegradation of the fibers. The velocities and biodegradation time were 0.547, 0.111, 0.0147 %/day and 6.06, 29.90, 225.20 months for fique, cotton and polypropylene respectively. The tension at maximum load showed that the fique fiber decreased from 100 to 26 MPa in 16 days, while cotton and polypropylene did not lose this property. Finally, the fibers of fique and cotton would be the most suitable to use in pea crop.