Natural and man-made cellulose fibre-reinforced poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites: An overview about mechanical characteristics and application areas

The paper describes the production and the mechanical characteristics of composites made completely of renewable raw materials. Composites of different kinds of natural fibres like cotton, hemp, kenaf and man-made cellulose fibres (Lyocell) with various characteristics were processed with a fibre mass proportion of 40% and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) by compression moulding. Additionally, composites were made of fibre mixtures (hemp/kenaf, hemp/Lyocell). The composites were tested for tensile strength, elongation at break, Young's modulus and Charpy impact strength. Their characteristics varied markedly depending on the characteristics of the raw fibres and fibre bundles and fibre mixtures used. While kenaf and hemp/PLA composites showed very high tensile strength and Young's modulus values, cotton/PLA showed good impact characteristics. Lyocell/PLA composites combined both, high tensile strength and Young's modulus with high impact strength. Thus, the composites could be applied in various fields, each meeting different requirements. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.