Aqueous degradation of MATER BIY-sisal fibers biocomposites

The effect of biotic and sterile aqueous environment (phosphate buffer pH 7.2, 25 degrees C) on the water sorption, degradation behavior, and residual mechanical properties of short sisal fibers-Mater bi Y biocomposites is evaluated. The composite shows a higher water resistance in both media probably due to the presence of fiber-fiber and/or fiber-matrix interactions which are absent in the unfilled matrix. The presence of fibers seems to favor the microbial attack and the preferential loss of starch and hemicelluloses. The higher drop in dynamical-mechanical properties and creep behavior showed by the composite is not only associated with the loss of components but also with the detriment of fiber-matrix interface.