Biodegradable composition of poly(lactic acid) from renewable wood flour

Maleic anhydride-grafted poly(lactic acid) (PLA-g-MAH) was prepared by blending with wood flour (WF). The effect of MAH and WF inclusion on the mechanical and thermal properties of the composites was examined. PLA-g-MAH/WF had optimum tensile properties compared with PLA/WF. Scanning electron microscopic images indicated poor interfacial adhesion of the PLA/WF. It was enhanced after MAH was grafted onto PLA; the PLA-g-MAH/WF showed excellent compatible morphology. Results also revealed that the biodegradation of PLA and PLA-g-MAH was improved with increasing of WF content.