Creep and Aging of Phbv-Natural Fiber Composites

A biobased composite composed of poly(β-hydroxybutyrate)-co-(β-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) matrix and natural reinforcing fibers has a potential closed-loop life cycle as their constituents can potentially produce their own feedstock carbon upon anaerobic degradation to produce more polymer.  These closed loop materials have the potential to replace conventional polymer because their mechanical properties are comparable to engineered woods and several types of glass fiber reinforced polymers However their long-term, in-service performance is largely unknown.  As a semicrystalline polymer, PHBV is susceptible both to viscoelastic deformation under sustained loading aging effects. In this research, the viscoelastic behavior of PHBV/natural fiber composites is being analyzed through a series of creep and creep-recovery experiments. Isochronous deformation of the PHBV composites is compared to that of similar materials. In addition, the effect of polymer aging on the tensile properties of PHBV/natural fiber composites is under investigation. Both experimental and modeling results will be presented.