Preparation and characterization of novel biodegradable composites based on acylated cellulose fibers and poly(ethylene sebacate)

authors	Fernandes, TF; Trovatti, E; Freire, CSR; Silvestre, AJD; Neto, CP; Gandini, A; Sadocco, P
nationality	International
journal	COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
author keywords	Fibers; Polymers; Surface treatments; Mechanical properties; Thermal properties; Biodegradability
keywords	ESTERIFICATION; SUBSTITUTION; WATER; ACIDS
abstract	The preparation and characterization of biodegradable composite materials with improved properties based on poly(ethylene sebacate) (PES) and acylated cellulose fibers is reported. These biocomposites showed improved mechanical properties, as evidenced by the increase in both elastic and Young moduli and in the tensile strength, and also showed low water sensitivity and a high biodegradability rate. These novel biocomposites were prepared essentially from renewable resources and therefore constitute an important contribution to the development of the area of sustainable composite materials. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
publisher	ELSEVIER SCI LTD
issn	0266-3538
year published	2011
volume	71
issue	16
beginning page	1908
ending page	1913
digital object identifier (doi)	10.1016/j.compscitech.2011.09.005
web of science category	Materials Science, Composites
subject category	Materials Science
unique article identifier	WOS:000297184000016