Effect of chemical treatments on properties of polylactic acid (PLA) and empty fruit bunch (EFB) fibers biocomposites

摘要

The effect of various chemical treatments on properties of PLA-EFB (polylactic acid - empty fruit bunch) biocomposite were investigated. This treatment is essential to enhance compatibility of PLA-EFB and strengthen the biocomposite's mechanical and thermal properties. Three chemical treatments; NaClO2, NaClO2/Silane and NaClO2/NaOH were done on the EFB fibers. The tensile, flexural and impact tests demonstrated that the PLA which blends with NaClO2 treated EFB fibers has the superior properties in comparison to other treatments. On top of that, addition of NaClO2 treated EFB fibers to PLA improve adhesion between the fiber and the matrix as evaluated by scanning electron microscope (SEM). This proven that NaClO2 treated EFB fibers is a potential surface modifier for PLA.