Banana trunk fiber natural composite

Abstract

Polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable thermoplastic polymer was reinforced with banana fiber (BaF) to produce a biocomposite. The effect of variable fiber composition, mercerization of fiber as well as incorporation of poly propylene maleated anhydride (PPMA) grafted as coupling agent on the properties of PLA/BaF composites were studied. BaF was extracted by retting process and grinded Z-blade mixer is use to reinforce the BaF with PLA by processing temperature of 180˚C. The hot press machine was used to produce a laminated plate of composites sample. The mercerization of fiber exhibited improved the flexural modulus to the tune of 39%. The impact test demonstrated that BaF/PLA composites are capable to absorb impact energy by average value of 1 Joule. The tensile test shows the brittle behaviour of BaF/PLA composites compared to pure PLA plate. The composites present good mechanical behaviour due to high filler-matrix compatibility. Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) studies indicated the thermal stability of the composites. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies of the fractured surfaces of these fibers indicated that the failure is due to pull out of micro fibrils accompanied by tearing of cell walls. However, mercerization of fibers overcomes this situation by improved interfacial adhesion in the composites.