Degradation of Polyfurfuryl Alcohol-Based Biopolymer by Soil-Burial and Photo-Degradation Methods

Recently, polyfurfuryl alcohol (PFA) based material has been gaining attention. Despite its use as an intermediate in various industries, the degradation process of PFA rarely reported. In this study, neat (PF) and polylactic acid (PLA) incorporated (PF-PL) thermoset biopolymers were prepared by casting method. The biopolymer specimens was carried out under environmental conditions via soil-burial test photo-degradation method for 21-months. extent PF PF-PL assessed evaluating weight loss, variation mechanical properties change complex viscosity. Structural morphological changes degraded samples evaluated Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Weight loss percentage case photo-degraded found to be much higher compared soil buried specimens. SEM micrographs showed a blistered surface visible cracks on samples, FTIR spectra new peak at 673 cm−1 indicating furan ring opening during process. Significant after also indicated biodegradable nature biopolymers. Approximately 45% 63% tensile strength obtained specimens, Complex viscosity lowest 21 months undegraded thus indirectly decrease molecular degradation. All data revealed fragmentation biopolymers, hence supporting PFA-based biopolymer.