Preparation and characterization of the novel water-crosslinked cellulose reinforced poly(butylene succinate) composites

Wood flour (raw cellulose) reinforced poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) composites have been prepared utilizing unique water-crosslinking technique to improve the physical properties of composites. The composites were treated with a coupling agent (vinyltrimethoxysilane, VTMOS) and then were compounded in a twin screw extruder. The compound was moisture-crosslinked. 13C NMR, 1H NMR and FT-IR spectra were utilized to monitor and characterize the water-crosslinking reaction. Composites via water-crosslinking treatment exhibits improved mechanical properties due to the interfacial bonding between the wood fiber and the PBS matrix. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the fracture surfaces of water-crosslinked composites showed superior interfacial linkage between the wood fiber and the PBS matrix. Thermal analysis on the water-crosslinked composites indicated that thermal degradation temperature of composite increased with the increasing of water-crosslinking time. POM microphotographs revealed that the water-crosslinking reaction can increase the crystalline rate but decrease the spherulites size of PBS. Biodegradation tests showed that adding wood flour increased the biodegradability of composite; however, the water-crosslinking reaction may reduce the biodegradability of wood composite.