Biodegradation Behaviour of the Composite Consisting of Polypropylene and Bauhinia Vahlii Fiber

Abstract

AbstractThe current study focuses on the degradation rate of polypropylene (PP) and Bauhinia Vahlii (BV) fibers under soil burial and natural weathering conditions for 360 days. The BV‐PP composite was produced with varying BV fiber compositions (0, 10, 20, and 30 wt.%) and 3 % MAPP (Maleic Anhydride Grafted Polypropylene). In addition, MAPP is employed as a coupling agent to improve fiber‐matrix compatibility and promote degradation. The XRD examination shows that a 10 % BV‐PP composite has a crystallinity index of 52.05 %, which is higher than that of neat PP. The rate of biodegradability was investigated using weight loss and tensile properties. The largest degradation was seen in natural weathering conditions with 30 % composite showing the maximum weight loss of 3.8 % and loss in tensile strength and modulus of 16.76 % and 5.11 %, respectively. Simultaneously, no weight loss or drop in tensile characteristics was found in the case of neat PP over 360 days. The SEM images of soil burial show material deterioration, which may be aided by bacterial and fungal activity, whereas natural weathering conditions show a large crack, rougher fracture surface, and cavities, which are attributed to thermal stresses, changes in moisture content, and ultraviolet radiation, thereby promoting the degradation process.