Effect of Abiotic Degradation on the Colorimetric Analysis, Mechanical Properties and Morphology of PLA Composites with Linen Fibers

Abstract

The manufacturing of composites from biomaterials enables the production of environment- and user-friendly biodegradable products. The matrix of such composite materials is made of biopolymers such as PLA or PGA while the reinforcement is usually made of natural fibers. Such composites have unique physical and mechanical properties as well as distinctive, eye-catching performance and aesthetic characteristics such as texture, color or roughness. This paper presents the results of colorimetric examination of polymer-linen biocomposite materials under abiotic degradation. The colorimetric examination was made based on a CIELAB model determining the values of lightness, color saturation, chromatic colors and total color difference. The SEM morphology of specimen surface fracture was also examined. Results show a significant effect of abiotic degradation on the tested parameters.

Keywords

• thermal degradation
• biocomposites
• color
• flax fiber
• polyactide