Effects of processing parameters on the properties of fully bio-based poly (butylene succinate-co-adept) and epoxidized natural rubber blend filled with agarwood waste: A taguchi analysis

Abstract

Fully bio-based poly (butylene succinate-co-adept) (PBSA) and epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) blends filled with agarwood waste (ACW) were prepared according to an experimental design following the Taguchi method. The PBSA/ENR/ACW blends were studied for mixing torque, morphology, thermal and hardness properties, and hydrolytic degradation; and in a soil burial test. The results show that the lowest mixing temperature and highest rotor speed gave the highest mixing torque. The size of ENR droplets (in SEM micrographs) decreased with decreased mixing temperature, rotor speed and particle size of ACW, while the hardness properties increased with mixing temperature. Moreover, the PBSA/ENR/ACW blends prepared at the highest mixing temperature (130 °C) and rotor speed (100 rpm) together with comparatively large sized ACW particles (80-mesh) displayed the most weight loss in soil burial test, as well as from exposure to water or HCl.

Keywords

• Biodegradability
• Taguchi method
• Poly (butylene succinate-co-adept)
• Epoxidized natural rubber
• Agarwood waste