Otrzymywanie i degradacja kompozytów na bazie polilaktydu i paździerzy konopnych modyfikowanych stearyną

As a result of the work carried out, composites were obtained whose matrix was polylactide (PLA) and the filler was hemp shives with the addition of stearin. Using a heating press, composites with different shares of both PLA and hemp shives were obtained. The amount of stearin was always 15% in relation to the mass of hemp shives used. Samples were prepared from the obtained composites to test the biodegradation process, which were measured and weighed. The biodegradation process was carried out in the environment, placing the appropriately prepared batches of composites in compost derived from grass. Samples were taken at monthly intervals to analyze changes in mass and thickness and morphological assessment. The degradation process of the obtained composites was carried out for 3 months. The mass of the samples after the first month of biodegradation did not change significantly, however, with the biodegradation time, the masses of the tested composite samples decrease. The thickness of composite samples after the first month of biodegradation increased in relation to the initial value, which may be caused by the adsorption of water from the substrate. However, after three months of biodegradation, a decrease in thickness was observed for all samples in comparison to the initial value. Analysis of the surface morphology of the composite samples carried out using a stereoscopic microscope and a scanning electron microscope confirmed the biodegradation process for the obtained composites. Stearin, which is a mixture of fatty acids, used as a composite modifying additive turned out to be a nutrient for microorganisms present in the compost, which accelerated the decomposition of the samples. As a result of the conducted research, it can be stated that the obtained composite has properties that support ecological processing, which is in line with the assumptions of a circular economy.