Natural aerobic degradation of polylactic acid (Composites) with natural fiber additives

This paper deals with natural degradation of PLA (polylactic acid) composites with natural fiber reinforcement in non-simulated conditions. Composite material was made of PLA and 6 different types of biodegradable fibers. Fibers made from pulp, wool, bamboo, soya, flax and hemp. All samples had 20% volume of fibers. Three of each composite sample were placed in compost (aerobic surrounding) for 72 weeks. All samples were examined at the beginning every 2 weeks to observe if the degradation process occurred and all samples were examined at the end of 72 weeks period to observe results of degradation of each composite material. © 2018 Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.