Laminated Biocomposites

Laminated biocomposites were prepared from biodegradable PLA and pineapple leaf fibers by compression molding by the film stacking method (35). The pineapple leaf fibers were either untreated or 

Both silane- and alkaU-treated fiber reinforced composites show superior mechanical properties in comparison to imtreated fibers. The incorporation of the pineapple leaf fibers effect a considerable increase of the storage modulus, i.e., stiffness. Also the heat defection temperature of the composites was significantly higher. 

Differential scanning calorimetry measurements suggest that the surface treatment of affects the crystallization properties of the PLA matrix. 

SEM of the fiber surface and the fracture surfaces of the composites indicate a significant fiber-matrix interface adhesion (35). 

The treatment by NaOH makes the surface rougher. This occurs due to the partial removal of hemiceUulose, lignin, etc. In contrast, the silane treatment rather smoothes the fiber surface. 

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Both treatments result in superior mechanical properties in comparison to the untreated fiber reinforced composites. The deflection temperature of the PLA laminated composites is significantly higher than that of the resin. So, standard PLA resins are very useful in the manufacture of kenaf fiber reinforced laminated biocomposites (29). 

M.S. Huda, L.T. Drzala, A.K. Mohanty, and M. Misra, Effect of fiber surface-treatments on the properties of laminated biocomposites from poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and kenaf fibers. C ompos. Sci. Technol. 68,424-432 (2008). 

Figure 4.13 Effect of fiber treatment on the flexural properties of neat PLA and kenaf/PLA laminated biocomposites. FIB, untreated kenaf FIBNA, alkali-treated kenaf FIBSI, silane-treated kenaf and FIBNASI, alkali-F silane-treated kenaf. (After M.S. Huda et al. [51].)...

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