Head of scientific laboratory "Advanced composite materials and technologies", Department of Chemistry and Physics, Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Moscow 117997, Russia;
Research scientist, Laboratory of physical chemistry of compositions of synthetic and natural polymers, Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russia

Biography: Dr. Petr Pantyukhov obtained his M.Sc. in 2008. In 2013 he defended his dissertation "The features of the structure and biodegradation of composite materials based on low-density polyethylene and vegetable fillers" and obtained Ph.D. degree (high-molecular weight compounds) at the Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics of Russian Academy of Sciences. Under his leadership in 2014 the scientific laboratory "Advanced composite materials and technologies" was created at the Department of Chemistry and Physics at Plekhanov Russian University of Economics. For 3 years laboratory manned by 4 young scientists became one of the leaders in the University for scientific rating.
His scientific group investigates biocomposites, based on synthetic polymer matrix and natural biodegradable fillers. Biodegradation of such systems in various environmental conditions is the main scientific interest.

Speech Title: Degradation kinetics of ethylene-octene copolymer/wood flour biocomposites in dependence to filler content
Abstract: The report is devoted to thermal oxidative degradation and biodegradation in soil of biocomposites based on ethylene-octene copolymer (EOC), filled by wood flour (from 30 to 70% wt.), in dependence to the filler content. It was concluded that as filler content rises, the induction period increases. It can be explained by the higher specific area of composites in comparison with pure EOC. However, high filled composites (60 and 70 % of the filler) are oxidized with a huge induction period because polyphenols in the filler inhibit the oxidation process. Biodegradation test under laboratory conditions was carried out. Composites with lower filler content have lower weight loss rate. Small particles are capsulated by polymer and are isolated from moisture and microorganisms. On the other hand, at a high filling of the composite small particles stick together and act as large ones. Such filler agglomerates are connected with each other and allow microorganisms to penetrate into the composite.