Effect of the compatilizer and chemical treatments on the performance of poly(lactic acid)/ramie fiber composites

Natural fiber composites are of great potential for renewability and environmental friendless, but the poor interfacial bonding between the fiber and polymer matrix limits its engineering applications. In the present study, the mechanical strength of the poly (lactic acid) (PLA)/ramie fiber composites were focused. The adhesion ability was investigated by adding the compatilizer triglycidyl isocyanurate (TGIC) or treating the fibers with silane, NaOH or the combination of NaOH and silane. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showed that PLA molecular chain was bonded on the fiber surface after treating the fibers or blending with TGIC, resulting in many tore and broke fibers in the fracture surface of the composits. At the same time, the rheological analysis indicated that the viscoelastic response of the composites was improved since the mobility of the PLA molecular chains were restricted in composites. In addition, the tensile and flexural strengths of the composites were significantly improved by the fiber surface treatment and blending with TGIC. Especially, the introduction of untreated fibers and TGIC in PLA increased the tensile and flexural strengths by 49.8% and 46.5%, respectively.

Automated summary

In this study, the mechanical strength of PLA/ramie fiber composites was enhanced by adding a compatilizer or treating the fibers, resulting in improved adhesion ability, viscoelastic response, tensile, and flexural strengths of the composites.