Biodegradation, Mechanical and Physical Properties of Poly(butylene succinate) and Natural Rubber Compound Blend Filled with Activated Carbon from Coconut Fruit

Articles in Press

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 Faculty of Industrial Technology, Rambhai Barni Rajabhat University, Chanthaburi

4 School of Polymer Engineering, Institute of Engineering, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand

Abstract

Activated carbon (AC) was synthesized from coconut fruit and used as a bio-filler in poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and natural rubber compound (NRC) composites. The activation process used a potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution, followed by microwave irradiation. Two KOH concentrations (1 M and 3 M) were used, and the obtained AC was labeled AC 1 M KOH and AC 3 M KOH. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of AC type and content (0-6 phr) on the mechanical, physical, and biodegradation properties of PBS/NRC/AC composites. The results showed that AC contained 73-74 % carbon content. The AC 3 M KOH exhibited a higher surface area. The mechanical properties of PBS/NRC/AC composites, including flexural strength, impact strength, tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and elongation at fracture, tended to decrease with increasing amounts of AC. However, adding AC 3 M KOH had a more positive effect on these properties compared to AC 1 M KOH. The crystalline structure of PBS was not affected, while the melt flow index (MFI) of the composite tended to decrease with the addition of AC. The composite with 6 phr of AC 3 M KOH showed 22.4% CO₂ absorption, 35% degradation after 6 months, and 0.84% water absorption, all of which were higher than those observed for 6 phr of AC 1 M KOH. The surface morphology of PBS/NRC/AC composites had a rough appearance, with rubber particles and AC dispersed within the PBS matrix. The surface roughness intensified with increasing AC content.

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Main Subjects

Mechanics of Advanced Composite Structures

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 21 August 2025

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