Biodegradation Studies of Fiber-Reinforced Melamine and Phenol Formaldehyde Polymer Composites in Soil and Wastewater Systems

The biodegradation of polymer composites in soil and sewer wastewater systems is a complex but essential area of study for mitigating environmental pollution. To address this issue, obtaining materials that are sustainable is the need of the hour. By understanding the factors influencing degradation and leveraging this knowledge to design sustainable materials, researchers can contribute to a circular economy and a cleaner environment. As the demand for environmentally friendly alternatives grows, biodegradation studies will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of polymer science and waste management. In the present study, Melamine formaldehyde (MF) resin with a density of 0.93 g/cm3 and Phenol formaldehyde (PF) resin with a density of 1.15 g/cm3 were used to fabricate composites with different types of fiber orientations. The composite specimens were tested for their biodegradability in soil and in wastewater system. The composite with jute as outer layer has shown promising results toward biodegradability. MF resin favors better biodegradability as compared to PF resin. The incorporation of natural fibers such as jute and flax enhanced the biodegradation rates (up to 84.5% and 67.8% mass loss in soil, and 95% and 35% in water, respectively) and contributed towards sustainable production and consumption.