Synergistically enhanced mechanical, combustion and acoustic properties of biopolymer composite foams reinforcement by kenaf fibre

This research aims to study the impact of kenaf fibre loadings (20-50 wt%) on the physical, impact, thermal stability and acoustic properties of solid and 3 phr azodicarbonamide (ADC)-foamed polylactic acid (PLA) composites prepared by melt-mixing method. A notable reduction in the bio-composites' density was observed by foaming with ADC. The prepared composites exhibited the highest impact strength of 1.8-2.1 kJm(-2) at 30 wt% of kenaf fibre. Moisture absorptions of composites showed an increment trend up to 9-13 %. The energy content measured from combustion testing showed positive effect with respect of kenaf fibre loading and ADC presence. For acoustical absorption, the foamed composites showed a better absorption of about 20 % at 250-1000 Hz and 244 % at 2000-5000 Hz compared to the solid composites containing 30 wt% fibre. This result shows that foamed composite is suitable to be used as a noise level reducer.

Automated summary

This study examined the impact of kenaf fiber loadings on the properties of polylactic acid composites, finding that foaming with ADC reduced density, increased impact strength, and improved sound absorption.