Polypyrrole-modified bamboo fiber/polylactic acid with enhanced mechanical, the antistatic properties and thermal stability

To improve the interfacial compatibility between bamboo fiber (BF) and polylactic acid (PLA) matrix, pyrrole was oxidatively polymerized on the BF surface continuously under different oxidizing conditions. The untreated and modified BF/PLA composites were fabricated via a melt extrusion process. Polypyrrole (PPy) was successfully coated on the surface of the BF, Furthermore, the four oxidants (hydrogen peroxide, copper chlorid, ferric chloride, ammonium persulfate) showed different effects on PPy modified composites. When the ferric chloride as the oxidant, the modified composites exhibited 22.79 %, 33.43 %, and 37.58 % improvement in flexural strength, tensile strength, and impact strength compared with the control sample, while achieving significant enhancements in thermostability and antistatic due to the presence of PPy. This work provides a new promising way for fabricating the antistatic, excellent mechanical property BF/PLA composites.

Automated summary

By oxidatively polymerizing pyrrole on the surface of bamboo fiber to improve the interfacial compatibility with polylactic acid matrix, the use of ferric chloride as an oxidant resulted in significant enhancements in strength and thermal stability, making it a promising method for fabricating antistatic and mechanically superior BF/PLA composites.