Viscoelastic and Thermal Properties of Natural Fibre-filled Composites: Potential of Physical and Chemical Modifications for Biodegradable Composites

This study is focused on viscoelastic and thermal properties of composites using diverse thermoplastic biodegradable matrices, in combination with cellulose-based fibreous fillers. First, interactions among these components were studied by looking at responses of viscoelastic and thermal properties relative to processing conditions and physical or chemical modification of fillers and the polymer matrix. Responses were investigated mainly using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and infrared spectroscopy.