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. 2023 Aug 24;15(17):3532.
doi: 10.3390/polym15173532.

Biodegradation Properties of Cellulose Fibers and PLA Biopolymer

Ružica Brunšek  1 , Dragana Kopitar  2 , Ivana Schwarz  2 , Paula Marasović  2
Affiliations

Biodegradation Properties of Cellulose Fibers and PLA Biopolymer

Ružica Brunšek et al. Polymers (Basel). .

Abstract

This paper investigates the biodegradation properties of cellulose fibers and PLA biopolymer. For that purpose, hemp, jute, and sisal fibers as lignocellulose fibers; viscose fibers (CV) as regenerated cellulose; and polylactide (PLA) as biopolymer were buried in farmland soil for periods of 2, 4, 7, 9 and 11 days under controlled conditions. The influence of their biodegradation on the fiber mechanical properties, bacteria and fungi population, as well as on the soil quality were investigated. After exposure to microorganisms, analyses of the fibers' morphological (SEM), chemical (FTIR), and thermal (TGA) properties were conducted to achieve a comprehensive understanding of their biodegradability. The analysis concluded that lignin and pectin content have a greater impact on the biodegradation of hemp, jute, and sisal fibers than factors like crystallinity and degree of polymerization. The viscose fibers showed lower biodegradability despite their lower degree of polymerization, indicating a resistance to biodegradation due to the "skin" formed during the spinning process. PLA fibers experienced chemical hydrolysis and significant microbial attack, resulting in reduced tenacity. The acquired findings yield valuable insights into the biodegradability of the fibers, thereby facilitating the selection of appropriate fibers for the development of environmentally sustainable products. Notably, a literature review revealed a paucity of research on fiber biodegradability, underscoring the significance of the present study's contributions.

Keywords: PLA biopolymer; biodegradation; hemp; jute; properties; sisal; soil burial test; soil quality; viscose.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Fiber mass loss after soil burial test.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Fiber tenacity loss after soil burial test.
Figure 3
Figure 3
SEM images (×1000) of control and fibers after 11 days of burial.
Figure 3
Figure 3
SEM images (×1000) of control and fibers after 11 days of burial.
Figure 4
Figure 4
FTIR spectra of control and hemp fibers after 11 days of burial.
Figure 5
Figure 5
FTIR spectra of control and jute fibers after 11 days of burial.
Figure 6
Figure 6
FTIR spectra of control and sisal fibers after 11 days of burial.
Figure 7
Figure 7
FTIR spectra of control and viscose fibers after 11 days of burial.
Figure 8
Figure 8
FTIR spectra of control and PLA fibers after 11 days of burial.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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