Eco-friendly polymer composites with high mechanical properties

Abstract

Polymers have infiltrated almost every aspect of our life. However, the resistance of polymers to chemical/ biological degradation has become a serious concern for the environment. This posed a challenge to modern polymer chemistry for the synthesis of degradable polymers (DPs) that will “disappear” after fulfilling functions. Numerous BPs were developed and are commercially successful today. Most of them belong to the polyester class.

The article discusses the production of a polymer matrix, its biodegradation, and the polymer composite’s production method using the existing matrix. Polymer matrix consists of the mixture of two different polymers whose optimum concentration has been selected. Matrix degradation had been studied under natural and laboratory conditions by using natural soil and mushroom compost respectively. The stability of the matrix in response to different pH values was evaluated by the water analysis method – using the spectrophotometer. The method involved the determination of total organic carbon (TOC) concentration obtained by polymer degradation in an acidic environment. The final polymer composite was produced by using various fibers and fabric. The resulting composite was tested for explosion resistance.