Kinetics of thermal degradation applied to biocomposites with TPS, PCL and sisal fibers by non-isothermal procedures

Author(s)

Carmona, Vitor Brait ^{[1, 2]} ; de Campos, Adriana ^[1] ; Marconcini, Jose Manoel ^[1] ; Capparelli Mattoso, Luiz Henrique ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Embrapa Instrumentat, Natl Nanotechnol Lab Agr LNNA, BR-13560970 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Mat Sci & Engn Dept PPG CEM, BR-13565905 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY; v. 115, n. 1, p. 153-160, JAN 2014.
• Web of Science Citations: 22

Abstract

The thermal degradation behavior of the biocomposite with thermoplastic starch (TPS), poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) and bleached sisal fibers were investigated by thermogravimetry analysis (TG/DTG) under synthetic air atmosphere, differential scanning calorimetry, and their crystal structure by X-ray diffraction. Applying the non-isothermal Ozawa method, the TG/DTG curves average activation energy could be obtained for thermal degradation of the biocomposites with 5, 10, and 20 % of bleached sisal fibers. The apparent activation energy values for the biocomposites decreased when compared with the TPS/PCL blend, requiring lower energy to recycle this material. However, continuous addition of sisal fibers increased the activation energy of composites. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 08/08264-9 - Study of the degradation of biodegradable polymers by light, heat and microorganisms in composted soil
• Grantee: Adriana de Campos Pastre
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral