Natural Weathering of Kenaf Bast Fibre-Filled Poly(Butylene Succinate) Composites: Effect of Fibre Loading and Compatibiliser Addition
(263-273) Journal of Polymers and the Environment 19 #1 (2011)
Thirmizir et al of the Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia, exposed poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and its kenaf bast fibre (KBF) filled composites by exposing the specimens to a tropical climate for a period of 6 months (max–min temperature: 31.5–23.9 °C; relative humidity: 78.9%).  As expected, the flexural properties of both the uncompatibilised and compatibilised composites dropped with increasing exposure time. SEM examination revealed the presence of surface defects such as cracking, tiny holes and degraded fibre, which explain the poor performance of the composites upon weathering.  (RDC 4/22/2011)

Biocomposites     
Hybrid Biocomposites   
Polybutylene Succinates    
Sustainable /Renewable Materials   

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