Difference in solid-state properties and enzymatic degradation of three kinds of poly(butylene succinate)/cellulose blends

Abstract

Biodegradable poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) was blended with cellulose microcrystalline (CMC), cellulose acetate (CA), and cellulose triacetate (CTA), respectively, to improve its properties and reduce its cost. The differences in solid-state properties and enzymatic degradation were investigated using FTIR, DSC, XRD, and SEM analysis. SEM images show that the fillers stick up above the matrix and form some pores in both PBS/CMC and PBS/CA blends because of their poor compatibility. Whereas fine particles of PBS and CTA are uniformly mixed and tightly packed together. The degree of crystallinity decreases for PBS/CTA blends, thereby showing that CTA molecules destroy the crystal uniformity. Young's modulus is increased at average values of 43% after blending. The weight loss ratios of PBS/CMC and PBS/CA blends both reach approximately 85% after 4 h. SEM images show that the spherulitic texture in the surface easily formed cracks and holes and contributed to enzymolysis. In PBS/CTA samples, the weight loss ratio declined to 16% after 4 h. The surfaces are smooth and the enzymolysis occurs only on the surface.