Poly(lactic acid)‐based biocomposites reinforced with kenaf fibers

TLDR

The study prepared biodegradable thermoplastic composites reinforced with kenaf fibers and aimed to improve PLA/fiber adhesion using a reactive coupling agent. PLA was selected as the matrix, and maleic anhydride grafted onto PLA was added during melt mixing to compatibilize the composite. This compatibilization markedly enhanced interfacial adhesion and significantly improved the mechanical properties compared to uncompatibilized composites. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Abstract

Abstract Biodegradable thermoplastic‐based composites reinforced with kenaf fibers were prepared and characterized. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) was selected as polymeric matrix. To improve PLA/fibers adhesion, low amount of a proper reactive coupling agent, obtained by grafting maleic anhydride onto PLA, was added during matrix/fibers melt mixing. Compared with uncompatibilized composites, this compatibilization strategy induces a strong interfacial adhesion and a pronounced improvement of the mechanical properties. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008