Fabrication of High-Performance Heat-Resistant PBAT-Based Composites Reinforced with Large-Sized Jute

Jute fibers were extracted from poly(butylene adipate terephthalate) (PBAT)/jute composites, and the structure, morphology, mechanical, thermal, and biodegradation properties of raw jute, neat PBAT, and composites with 30%–60% jute were systematically studied. The chemical structure of jute remained intact after extraction, and jute was physically blended with PBAT without undergoing chemical reactions. Despite the reduced size, the recycled jute fibers retained a high aspect ratio superior to common powder fillers. Composite density, strength, modulus, and hardness rose with increasing jute content. At 60% jute loading, the material had a tensile strength of over 26 MPa and a tensile modulus close to 1000 MPa. Its heat deflection temperature exceeds 80 °C, and thermal decomposition temperature is higher than 280 °C. After 105 days of degradation, the mass loss rate is over 14%. PBAT/jute composites demonstrate superior overall performance comparable to that of copolymerized polypropylene. They serve as a degradable alternative to polypropylene resin in specific fields. The development of PBAT/jute composites broadens the application scope of PBAT resin and also contributes to environmental protection.