(8b) PHA Bioplastic and Composites for Sustainable Residential Construction | AIChE

(8b) PHA Bioplastic and Composites for Sustainable Residential Construction

Authors 

Billington, S. - Presenter, Stanford University
Wright, Z. - Presenter, Stanford University
Frank, C. W. - Presenter, Stanford University


Polyhydoxyalkanoates (PHA) are a class of biorenewable polymers that are commercially underutilized, in part due to the lack of potential applications and high cost. Natural fiber/PHA composites use components that are biodegradable and combine the high tensile strength of the fibers with the stress transfer capabilities of the polymer matrix. These composite materials can be used as structural components in residential building materials. Natural fibers are typically hydrophilic, whereas PHAs are hydrophobic. Contrasting surface character potentially detracts from the overall mechanical strength of composite materials due to imperfect adhesion between the matrix and fibers at the interface. Understanding molecular interactions at the interface can lead to modification schemes that enhance the strength of the interface and thus the strength of the bulk composite. Two modifications have been investigated. First, wood flour has been treated with octadecyltrimethoxysilane to give the cellulosic materials a more hydrophobic character. For the second modification scheme a third component, maleated PHA, was added to the composite as a compatibilizer between the two phases. Molecular and microscale techniques are used to try and understand bulk mechanical behavior.

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