Development of high strength biodegradable composites using Manila hemp fiber and starch-based biodegradable resin

This paper describes the development of high strength biodegradable green composites. The unidirectional biodegradable composites were made from Manila hemp fiber bundles and a starch-based emulsion-type biodegradable resin. The tensile and flexural strengths of the composites increased with increasing fiber content up to 70%. The composites possessed extremely high tensile and flexural strengths of 365 MPa and 223 MPa, respectively. The fabrication with emulsion-type biodegradable resin contributed to reduction in voids and fiber contacts in the composites. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.