Effects of Fiber Length and Fiber Ratio on the Biodegradability of Jute Polymer Composites

Kh. Mumtahenah Siddiquee; Md. Maksud Helali

Abstract: The growing overall environmental and social concern, high rate of decreasing petroleum resources, and novel environmental strategy have imposed the search for alternate of plastic materials. Natural fiber is commonly used to produce environmental friendly biodegradable polymer composites. They have the environmental benefits such as biodegradability, greenhouse gas emissions and enhancement of energy recovery. The aim of this paper is to encourage increase use in natural fiber reinforced composites and help the world to make it environmental friendly. This study focuses on the fabrication of jute polymer composites, effects of fiber length and fiber ratio on the biodegradability of jute polymer composites and biodegradation. Composites were fabricated using polyethylene, polypropylene reinforced with 5%, 10% and 15% of jute fiber of 1mm and 3mm fiber length by using compression molding. Weight loss of the composites revealed that composites are biodegradable. Samples were kept in compost heap, soil and natural weather to observe the degradation of the specimens. Higher fiber length and fiber reinforced ratio shows the higher degradation rate. Degradation rate were higher in compost condition considering natural weather and soil.

Keywords: Natural Fiber, Polymer, Composite, Biodegradability