Evaluation of the Mechanical and Physical Behaviors of Flax Fiber-Reinforced Polybutylene Succinate Biodegradable Composites in Packaging Applications

Özalp S. Sismanoglu S. Tayfun Ü. Popescu C.-M. Kairliyeva F.B. Kanbur Y.
July 2025 John Wiley and Sons Inc

SPE Polymers
2025 #6 Issue 3

Applying surface modification routes to natural fibers is a practical option for solving the incompatibility problem in polymeric composites. This study aimed to improve the properties of biodegradable and environmentally friendly polybutylene succinate (PBS) composites involving flax fiber (FF) with unmodified, alkalization, and silanization surface modification applied at 20 wt%. The surface modifications were successfully characterized by FTIR and SEM. The composites were prepared using a twin-screw extruder followed by injection molding. The mechanical, thermal, thermo-mechanical, wear, water absorption, biodegradation, and morphological properties were evaluated. The incorporation of FF improved the mechanical and thermal performance of PBS, while the surface modifications further increased the fiber-matrix adhesion. In particular, the silanized FF provided water resistance due to the hydrophobic nature of siloxane and exhibited the lowest biodegradation rate under fungal exposure. In the case of silanized FF, a 5.4% improvement in tensile strength and nearly 3% of water absorption capacity were reached. Based on these outcomes, the silanized FF-filled PBS composite was suitable for packaging applications where biodegradable, water-resistant, and mechanically strong materials are required.

biocomposites , biodegradable packaging material , composite films , flax fiber , polybutylene succinate

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Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Karabuk University, Karabük, Turkey
Department of Chemistry, Karabuk University, Karabük, Turkey
Basic Sciences, Bartin University, Bartın, Turkey
Petru Poni Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the Romanian Academy, Iasi, Romania
School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Rural Development Research Platform, Iasi, Romania
Chemical Technology of Organic Substances, Atyrau Oil and Gas University, Atyrau, Kazakhstan

Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Department of Chemistry
Basic Sciences
Petru Poni Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the Romanian Academy
School of Computing
Rural Development Research Platform
Chemical Technology of Organic Substances

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