title: Biodegradable composites from sugar beet pulp and poly(lactic acid).
abstract: Sugar beet pulp and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites were prepared by compression-heating. The resultant thermoplastics had a lower density, but they had tensile strength similar to that of pure PLA specimens as well as the same geometric properties. Tensile properties depended on the initial water content of sugar beet pulp and the process by which composites were manufactured. In comparison with sugar beet pulp, the composite showed improved water resistance. This can be attributed to the hydrophobic character of PLA and pulp-matrix interactions. The composite thermoplastics showed suitable properties for potential use as lightweight construction materials.
authors.affiliation: Crop Conversion Science and Engineering, Eastern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania 19038, USA. lsliu@errc.ars.usda.gov
authors.forename: LinShu
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Marshall L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Fishman
authors.forename: Kevin B
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Hicks
authors.forename: Cheng-Kung
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Liu
mesh_terms: D027461:Beta vulgaris / Q000737:chemistry*; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002627:Chemistry, Physical; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000737:chemistry*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D013718:Tensile Strength; D014867:Water / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; D014867:Water; D019344:Lactic Acid; C033616:poly(lactide)