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Environmental Degradation of Plastic Composites with Natural Fillers—A Review
Summary
Researchers examined the environmental degradation of polymer composites containing natural fillers, finding that exposure to outdoor conditions accelerates biodegradation of natural components and alters the mechanical properties of the composite material. The degradation process can generate microplastic fragments as the matrix breaks down.
Polymer composites are widely used modern-day materials, specially designed to combine good mechanical properties and low density, resulting in a high tensile strength-to-weight ratio. However, materials for outdoor use suffer from the negative effects of environmental factors, loosing properties in various degrees. In particular, natural fillers (particulates or fibers) or components induce biodegradability in the otherwise bio inert matrix of usual commodity plastics. Here we present some aspects found in recent literature related to the effect of aggressive factors such as temperature, mechanical forces, solar radiation, humidity, and biological attack on the properties of plastic composites containing natural fillers.
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