Effect of montmorillonite clay on flax fabric reinforced poly lactic acid composites with amphiphilic additives

Bio-composites (PF) were successfully prepared by reinforcing poly lactic acid (PLA) with woven flax fibers (F) in the presence of mandelic acid, benzilic acid, dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and zein as additives. To improve the mechanical properties of the bio-composites, montmorillonite clay (MMT) was also added. Characterizations of the bio-composites in presence and absence of MMT were performed by FTIR, DSC, TGA and DMTA. The interfacial adhesion between the fibers and the matrix was qualitatively assessed from SEM micrographs of fractured specimens. intercalation of MMT with 1.4 nm basal spacing was observed in the PLA matrix leading to the increased modulus and water resistance of the bio-composites. Results indicated that mandelic acid and dicumyl peroxide acted as efficient additives for this system. This work provided us the exploratory idea of using MMT in presence of amphiphilic compounds as additives in bio-composites for possible applications. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.