Volume: 5, 2026
5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: T014
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.T014
Published online: 22 April 2026
Processing efficiency of biodegradable PLA/PHB/WPC composites
Joanna Tomasik*, Tomasz Garbacz and Aneta Tor-Świątek
Department of Technology and Polymer Processing, Lublin University of Technology, 36 Nadbystrzycka St., 20-618 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: s101049@pollub.edu.pl
Plastic materials are widely used across modern industry due to their favourable properties, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. Biodegradable polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) offer a promising alternative, although their relatively low toughness and processing limitations restrict broader applications. This study investigates the influence of wood fibre content and polymer matrix type on selected processing and physical properties of biodegradable composites.
Materials based on PLA, PHB, and a PLA/PHB blend (80:20 by mass) were prepared with 0, 5, and 10 wt% of wood fibres. The composites were produced by injection moulding, and their density, melt flow rate (MFR), and plasticising production efficiency were evaluated. Density measurements show a gradual increase with increasing filler content for all compositions. The results indicate that increasing wood fibre content leads to a consistent decrease in melt flow rate for all matrix types, suggesting reduced flowability due to the presence of solid filler particles and increased internal resistance during processing. This effect is most pronounced in PLA-based materials, which exhibit the highest initial MFR values but also the largest reduction with increasing filler content. In contrast, PHB shows lower MFR values overall, reflecting its narrower processing window and higher sensitivity to thermal conditions. Plasticising production efficiency increases slightly with increasing filler content across all materials. The highest efficiency values are observed for the PLA/PHB blend, indicating improved process stability and energy utilisation compared to the neat polymers. The presence of wood fibres appears to enhance material transport and plasticisation behaviour during processing, although the magnitude of this effect remains moderate.
Overall, the results demonstrate that both the type of polymer matrix and the wood fibre content significantly affect processing behaviour and physical properties. While the addition of natural filler reduces flowability, it contributes to improved processing efficiency and increased material density. The PLA/PHB blend exhibits a favourable balance of properties, suggesting its potential as a matrix for biodegradable composites.
Keywords: biodegradable polymers; PHB; PLA
How to cite
Tomasik J., Garbacz T., Tor-Świątek A., 2026. Processing efficiency of biodegradable PLA/PHB/WPC composites. In: 5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.T014