Development and study of fully biodegradable composite materials based on poly(butylene succinate) and hemp fibers or hemp shives

The use of natural fibers to reinforce polymers is an established practice, and biocomposites have gained an increased interest in areas such as automotive, construction, and agriculture. The purpose of the present work was the preparation and study of fully biodegradable (“green”) composite materials using poly(butylene succinate) (PBSu) as polymeric matrix and hemp fibers and shives as fillers. Composites containing 15, 30, 50, 60, and 70 wt% of fillers were prepared by melt mixing in a twin screw extruder. The composites were studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimeter while the dispersion and interfacial adhesion were studied with scanning electron microscopy. From mechanical properties measurements, it was found that tensile and impact strength are both affected by the type and the amount of the used filler. The degree of crystallinity of PBSu was found to decrease by increasing the filler content, although that both fillers can act as nucleating agents. Finally, the degradation rate during enzymatic hydrolysis and soil burial increased in all biocomposites by increasing the filler content. PBSu/hemp shive composites showed higher biodegradation rates than PBSu/hemp fiber composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:407–421, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers