Method of making a biodegradable thermal insulation composite based on poly (β-hydroxybutyrate)

Abstract

A method of making a biodegradable thermal insulation composite based on poly(β-hydroxybutyrate) includes immersing powdered date palm fibers in a silane-grafting solution to produce silylated date palm fibers. The silylated date palm fibers are then suction filtered, washed with deionized water, and dried. The silylated date palm fibers are then melt extruded with poly(β-hydroxybutyrate) pellets to produce the biodegradable thermal insulation composite. The biodegradable thermal insulation composite may then be hot-pressed in a mold and may be further annealed. Alternatively, polylactic acid or poly(β-hydroxybutyrate) is dissolved in chloroform to form a solution. The solution is heated and poured on a volume of powdered date palm fibers such that a surface thereof is completely covered with the solution. The covered date palm fibers are then melt extruded with poly(β-hydroxybutyrate) pellets to produce the biodegradable thermal insulation composite, followed by hot-pressing in a mold and annealing.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.