Biocomposites based on sea algae fibers and biodegradable thermoplastic matrices

Composites were prepared by mixing thermoplastic biodegradable polymers wit h sea algae fibers. Tensile mechanical properties were analyzed as a functi on of fiber concentration. The effect of processing, such as compression mo lding and calendering, on the mechanical properties of the materials was in vestigated. Composites showed higher elastic modulus and lower strength tha n the matrix components. Fiber damaging, characterized by a reduction of bo th length and diameter, was observed in the composites. Films, prepared by calendering operations, showed anisotropic properties due to fiber alignmen t. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.