Utilization of Jute Waste in Polybutylene Succinate-Based Biocomposites and Analysis of Mechanical Properties and Biodegradability

A polybutylene succinate (PBS) composite reinforced with natural jute (Corchorus olitorius) fibers (50-80 μm) was investigated for its mechanical properties and biodegradability. This study aims to investigate the effects of fiber additions and size variations on composite performance and environmental sustainability. The PBS80/JF20 composite with 80 μm jute particles demonstrated the lowest MFI at 26 g.10 min-1, significantly lower than that of pure PBS (p<0.05), indicating reduced flowability. Tensile strength decreased with the addition of jute fiber, reaching 21.4 MPa with 50 μm particles. Density was also reduced, with the lowest recorded at 1.27 g.cm³- in PBS95/Jute5 (p<0.05). The composites with 80 μm fibers exhibited a slightly higher weight loss (9.5%) compared to those with 50 μm fibers (6.8%), likely due to insufficient interfacial adhesion in larger fibers, making them more susceptible to microbial degradation. Results indicate that adding natural jute fibers into the PBS matrix leads to significant decreases in melt flow index, tensile strength, and impact energy, while significantly enhancing density, water absorption, and biodegradability with respect to neat PBS. Further analysis of fiber sizes revealed that increasing fiber size (from 50 to 80 μm) results in a non-significant decrease in melt flow index, tensile strength, density, impact energy, water absorption, and biodegradation rates. These findings suggest that while the addition of natural fibers compromises mechanical properties, it significantly improves the environmental attributes of the composites, like water absorption and biodegradation (p<0.05). Fibers with a smaller diameter are preferable for maintaining mechanical integrity, while fibers with a larger diameter enhance biodegradability. The paper provides valuable insights into the development of a biocomposite material that balances mechanical performance with environmental sustainability.