Effect of Maleated Compatibilizer on Performance of PLA/Wheat Straw-Based Green Composites

In this study, the use of PLA-g-MA is investigated as a potential method for improving interfacial adhesion between agricultural residues and PLA, with the goal of enhancing mechanical properties. Compatibilization was achieved by using PLA-g-MA prepared via reactive extrusion. Green renewable and compatibilized PLA/wheat straw composites were extruded and injection-molded. Addition of 3 and 5 phr PLA-g-MA to the composites resulted in significant improvements in tensile strength (20%) and flexural strength (14%) of the composites, matching that of the neat polymer. The observed improvement in strength was attributed to the good interfacial adhesion between the fiber and matrix.