Morphology and properties of hybrid composites based on polypropylene/polylactic acid blend and bamboo fiber

The design of new composites based on a polypropylene (PP)/polylactic acid (PLA) matrix and filler bamboo fiber (BF) leads to changes in process ability, morphology, and theological properties of the raw thermoplastic. We have designed more environmentally friendly composites blended with PLA, filled with bamboo fiber. To refine dispersion of PLA and improve composite toughness, MAH-g-PP was included in the filler-matrix interface to enhance interface strength for PP. PLA and BF. The incorporation of MAH-g-PP into composites brought about beneficial changes in morphology and rheological, related with improved dispersion of PLA and increased bamboo fiber-matrix interactions. The SEM results showed the particle size of the dispersed PLA and BF phase significantly reduced with adding a litter MAH-g-PP. The XRD and DSC results showed that spread and phases in the composites preserved crystallization. The good theological, morphological and thermal properties obtained when the ratio of PP/PLA/BF/MAH-g-PP was 48.75/13/35/3.25. (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.