Physical and flammability properties of treated sugar palm fibre reinforced polylactic acid composites

The aim of this study is to determine the physical properties and flammability of a composite of polylactic acid (PLA) reinforced with chemically treated sugar palm fibre (SPF). Seven different SPF parameters have been evaluated: untreated, alkaline treatment with three alkaline solution concentrations of 4, 5 and 6% and 50 mL of benzoyl chloride treated SPFs at three different soaking times (10, 15 and 20 min). 30 wt.% of SPF reinforced with 70 wt.% PLA composites have been prepared by using a Brabender plastograph mixer and compression moulding. The 6% alkaline treated SPF/PLA composites resulted in the lowest water absorption and thickness swelling of 7.09% and 4.69%, respectively. These composites reached the lowest 'maximum equilibrium sorption' value (Q(infinity)) of 5.94%. Benzoyl chloride treated SPF/PLA composites (for 15 min soaking) exhibited the highest density of 1.34 g/cm(3) and void content had reduced from 14% to 0.7%. The flammability of the c omposites is characterised by the horizontal UL-94 and vertical UL-94V burning test. Through the flammability test, the outcomes reveal that treated SPF/PLA composites are highly fire-resistant, except for 6% alkaline treated SPF/PLA composites. Morphologies of the composites have been analysed using the scanning electron microscopy. The results revealed that the maximum surface roughness and fewer voids were accomplished after 6% alkaline treatment of SPF. The novel treated SPF/PLA composites are appropriate for the application of automobile components.

Automated summary

The aim of this study is to determine the physical properties and flammability of a composite of polylactic acid (PLA) reinforced with chemically treated sugar palm fibre (SPF). The results showed that alkaline and benzoyl chloride treatments had significant effects on the water absorption, thickness swelling, density, and void content of the SPF/PLA composites. The composites exhibited high fire resistance, except for the 6% alkaline treated SPF/PLA composites.