Macrocyclic oligomers as compatibilizing agent for hemp fibres/biodegradable polyester eco-composites

Cyclo-depolymerization (CDP) of PBAT was successfully carried out at high dilution using various solvents, catalysts, and reaction times. The reconversion of MCOs into linear chains by entropically-driven ring-opening polymerization (ED-ROP) occurs by simple heating in the bulk. This reaction, after optimization of catalyst amount, temperature, and reaction time, was used for the surface modification of hemp fibres. PBAT-based eco-composites containing hemp fibres as such or pre-modified by treatment with the MCOs were then prepared and characterized by morphological, mechanical and dynamic-mechanical analysis. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.