Author(s)

H. Takagi & S. Ochi

Abstract

Mechanical properties and biodegradation behavior of high-strength \“green” composites H. Takagi1 & S. Ochi2 1Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Tokushima, Japan 2 Department of Ecosystem Engineering, The University of Tokushima, Japan Abstract This paper describes the development of high-strength \“green” composites; i.e. biodegradable polymer-based composites, and their biodegradability characteristics in a compost environment. Two kinds of \“green” composites, unidirectional composites and cross-ply composites, were made from a starchbased biodegradable polymer and Manila hemp fibers. The tensile strength of \“green” composites is strongly dependent on fiber content. The tensile strength of cross-ply composites increases with the fiber content until nearly 50% by weight and levels off thereafter. This fiber fraction dependence is due to the decrease in the strength of longitudinal fibers caused by damage introduced during hot-pressing. Biodegradability of the unidirectiona

Keywords