All‐plant fiber composites. II: Water absorption behavior and biodegradability of unidirectional sisal fiber reinforced benzylated wood

Abstract Sisal fiber reinforced benzylated fir sawdust composites belong to a new category of composite materials, in which both the reinforcement and matrix are based on plant fibers, i.e. renewable resources. The present paper discusses the water absorption behavior of the composites and its influence on the mechanical properties of the composites. In addition, biodegradability of the composites is assessed by using enzyme and fungi tests, respectively. The experimental results indicate that water absorption behavior of the composites is mainly controlled by the reinforcing fiber and the fiber/matrix interfacial characteristics. The inherent biodegradability of the raw materials of the all‐plant fiber composites proves to be retained. During the tests of enzymolysis and biodeterioration in soil, damage of the composites was initiated either inside the sisal fiber or at the surface of the composites.