Protection of Flax/PLLA Biocomposites from Seawater Ageing by External Layers of PLLA. (21st September 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Le Duigou, A.; Deux, J. M.; Davies, P.; Baley, C.
• Other Names: Verney Vincent Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: International journal of polymer science. Volume 2011(2011)
• Publication Date: 2011-09-21
• Subjects: Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymers; Periodicals; 547.7
• DOI: 10.1155/2011/235805
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-9422

Abstract

Abstract : Biocomposites are sensitive to water, and previous work on flax reinforced PLLA showed a large drop in mechanical properties after immersion (Le Duigou et al. 2009). Unreinforced PLLA was much less sensitive. This paper presents a strategy to reduce the influence of wet ageing by adding extra layers of PLLA on the biocomposite surface. Weight gain measurements show that a PLLA coating 350 μ m thick reduces weight gain by half, and biocomposite stiffness and strength after ageing are improved by 100% compared to uncoated composite behaviour. Thermal analysis and microscopic examination are used to show damage mechanisms with and without protection. Property changes are shown to be quasilinearly related to weight gain.