Enzyme degradability of benzylated sisal and its self-reinforced composites

To produce natural polymer based composite materials, sisal fibers were slightly benzylated and then molded into sheets. Because the modified skin portions of the fibers acquired certain thermoplasticity and the unmodified core parts remain constant, the resultant composites fall into the category of self-reinforced ones. The present article is devoted to the evaluation of the materials biodegradability with the help of cellulase. It was found that the inherent biodegradability of plant fibers is still associated with the benzylated sisal and the molded composites, as characterized by structural variation, weight loss and deterioration of mechanical performance of the materials. Reaction temperature and time, pH value of the enzyme solution, and dosage of the enzyme had significant influences on the decomposition behavior of the materials. In principle, the enzymolysis of sisal and its self-reinforced composites is a diffusion-controlled process. Due to the insusceptibility of lignin to cellulase and the hindrance of it to the cellulase solution, the degradation rates of the materials are gradually slowed down with an increase in time. Copyright (C) 2003 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.