Morphology and Biodegradability Study of Natural Latex-Modified Polyester–Banana Fiber Composites

Abstract

Composites of banana fiber were prepared using polyester resin/natural latex (Euphorbia coagulum) blend as matrix and evaluated for various physicomechanical properties. The best physicomechanical properties have been obtained by replacing 40% of polyester resin with coagulum. The morphology and biodegradability of the controlled and optimum composition of the composite, i.e., composite containing banana fiber, Euphorbia coagulum, and polyester resin in the ratio 40: 24: 36, were carried out. Morphology study shows that incorporation of Euphorbia coagulum in polyester–banana fiber composites improves the compatibility between the fiber and matrix. Biodegradability study shows that the composite containing polyester resin/Euphorbia coagulum blend as matrix exhibited a high degree of biodegradation compared to the composite containing polyester resin as the matrix. The use of developed green composites may help in reducing the generation of nonbiodegradable polymeric wastes.

Keywords

• biopolymer
• euphorbia coagulum
• biodegradability
• banana fiber
• polyester resin
• composites