Document Type : Research Article
Authors
1
Department of Materials and Medical Technology Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
2
Department of Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Khon Kaen Campus, Khon Kaen 40000, Thailand
3
Department of Production Engineering and Quality Management, Faculty of Industrial Technology, Rambhai Barni Rajabhat University, Chanthaburi 22000, Thailand
4
Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Nakhon Ratchasima 40000, Thailand
5
Department of Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand
Abstract
This study investigates the tensile properties and biodegradation of bio-based prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) for ground improvement applications. The potential of using a blended polymer composed of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and natural rubber compound (NRC) at ratios of 0%, 10%, and 20% by weight was assessed. Tensile tests were investigated, and a 12-month biodegradation analysis of PBS/NRC blends was conducted in soft clay, potting soil, and seawater environments. The results showed that the tensile strength and Young’s modulus of PBS decreased marginally as the NRC content increased. In contrast, the elongation at break of the PBS/NRC blend increased by 2.70% when NRC was substituted at 10% by weight, then declined as the NRC content increased. In addition, biodegradation was observed in all PBS/NRC blends, as evidenced by visual changes such as breakage, surface roughness, and weight loss. Moreover, the PBS/NRC blends in potting soil showed the highest percentage of weight loss, up to 6.48%. This study highlights the potential of these biomaterials as preliminary candidates for PVD applications, providing a basis for further development toward replacing conventional polypropylene (PP) materials.
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