Reed Fiber as a Sustainable Filler for Tuning the Biodegradability of Polylactic acid Composites

Abstract

Abstract Reed fiber/polylactic acid (PLA/RF) blends with various proportions were prepared through melt blending, and the corresponding films were prepared by blow molding. The biodegradability of PLA/RF films with varying RF contents was investigated in the presence of proteinase K. The crystallization behavior, surface morphology, and functional group changes of the samples during enzymatic degradation were analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR). Meanwhile, we investigated the influence of reed fiber on the biodegradation behavior of test samples in different environments. The results showed that RF could enhance the degradation of PLA. Additionally, the inclusion of reed fiber significantly improved the hydrophilicity of the composites and reduced the crystallinity of PLA, thereby impacting the degradation rate of the composites. The weight loss rates of PLA/RF10, PLA/RF20, and PLA/RF30 were 12.01%, 14.17%, and 19.92% after 12 months under soil burial degradation conditions. The results of composting degradation also confirmed that reed fiber contributed to the disintegration behavior and biodegradation rate of the materials. The modification of RF and PLA blends to regulate the degradation rate of composites holds great promise for practical application.