Biodegradable resins, mechanical properties

CEs are known to react with phenols to form iminocarbonates which eventually lead to polycyanurates with the liberation of more acidic phenol moiety. This can be a method to alter the gel point of the resin, Tg, and thermal stability of the network by co-curing diphenol with CE. Thus, copolymerization of dicyanate with diphenols resulted in polycyanurates with altered network structure and diminished crosslink density [237]. However, an earlier report claims poly(imi-nocarbonate) by reaction of these two in equimolar quantities. The thermoplastic so formed was reported to retain the mechanical properties like a polycarbonate. This approach can produce strong, non-toxic, biodegradable films and molded plastics that are degradable at temperatures above 140 °C [169,238]. Except for a few very early reports [239], the reaction of CE with anhydrides to form poly(iminocarbamates) has not been explored much. 

In the photoageing of polycarbonates, photo-oxidation has been shown to be a more important process than the photo-Fries reaction. The photo-oxidation of epoxy-resins has been found to depend on the type of hardener and its concentration. A correlation has been observed between the changes in chemical structure and thermally stimulated current of poly(vinyl alcohol) during photo-oxidation. Other studies of interest include the weathering of polymers outdoors,effect of ozonation on polymers, effect of drawing, effect of biodegradation, and changes in mechanical properties of thermoplastics. ... 

George et al. [27] studied stress relaxation behaviour of pineapple fibre-reinforced polyethylene composites. They found stress relaxation to be decreased with an increase of fibre content due to better reinforcing effect It is also reported by George et al. [28] that properties of fibre-reinforced composites depend on many factors like fibre-matrix adhesion, volume fraction of fibre, fibre aspect ratio, fibre orientation as well as stress transfer efficiency of the interface. Luo and Netravah [29] found an increase in the mechanical properties of green composites prepared from PALFs and poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate) resin (a biodegradable polymer) with the fibres in the longitudinal direction. However, the researchers reported a negative effect of the fibres on the properties in the transverse direction. 

Showa Highpolymer Company of Tokyo, Japan, has developed a biodegradable thermosetting resin described as an amino protein resin. Its biodegradability is 31% weight loss after 31 weeks in standard soil, reportedly greater than that of natural wood. Mechanical properties are claimed to be on a par with or superior to those of conventional thermoset resins. " ... 

This chapter focuses on soy protein and starch-based green composites and discusses the effects of biodegradable resin modifications and fiber treatment on mechanical and chemical properties. In addition, biodegradation of green composites has been briefly described. 

Park, S.-J., Jin, F.-L., Lee, J.-R., 2004. Effect of biodegradable epoxidized castor oil on physicochemical and mechanical properties of epoxy resins. Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics 205, 2048-2054. 

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