Effect of processing conditions on mechanical and viscoelastic properties of biocomposites

To study the effects of processing conditions on the viscoelastic and mechanical properties of biodegradable composites, we prepared several composites based on sisal fibers and biodegradable polymers. The effects of processing conditions such as the speed of rotation, temperature, and time of mixing were investigated. The mechanical and viscoelastic properties of these composites were affected by the processing conditions. This was principally due to the modification of the initial aspect ratio of the natural fibers as e. result of the shear stresses that developed in the mixer during the compounding. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.