Processing and characterization of nano rubber toughened polylactide/jute fiber composites

Abstract

The primary objective of the current study is to enhance the damping capability of polylactide (PLA)/jute fiber composites without sacrificing their strength and stiffness. With this objective, multiphase composites were fabricated with silane-treated jute fiber and nitrile butadiene nano rubber modified polylactide. The mechanical and damping behaviors of the developed multiphase composites were evaluated. The modulus and strength of the composite were effectively increased by the silane-treated jute fiber. However, the impact strength and damping capability also decreased with chemical treatment of the jute fiber. Conversely, PLA was successfully toughened by the addition of rubber nanopowders, leading to significant improvements in the impact strength and damping ability of the composites. This improvement was achieved with minimal compromise in terms of stiffness, strength, and environmental appeal. In addition, modification of the PLA matrix with rubber nanopowders also resulted in the enhancement of abrasive wear resistance.

Keywords

• Composites
• natural fiber
• rubber nanopowders
• chemical treatment
• thermomechanical properties
• abrasive wear