Aging of PLA/NR electrospun fibers under the influence of UV-irradiation, water and soil environment

Research in the field of the influence of environmental factors on composite materials based on polyesters is very relevant, as such materials are gaining more and more use in various industries and agriculture. This paper presents the results of the influence of UV-irradiation, water and soil on PLA/NR nonwoven fibers. The content of NR was 5-15 wt.%. It was found that the presence of NR over 10 wt. % inhibits photolysis. After 300 hours of irradiation, the melting point of 100% PLA decreases more significantly than in composites with NR. The IR-spectroscopy method confirmed the occurrence of the process of photooxidative degradation in fibrous samples. Biodegradation in soil proceeds more actively in PLA/NR fibrous composites than in pure PLA. Apparently, an increase in the proportion of the amorphous phase in the composites and the bioavailability of rubber contribute to this process.