Melt processing of polymer biocomposites

Abstract

A coupled device extruder and injection moulding were used to prepare biocomposites in order to provide a continuous and large-scale production, and overcome the fiber degradation inside the extruder. Two types of biocomposites were prepared, Sisal/poly(buthylene adipate-co-terephthlate) – PBAT and Juta/poly(lactide acid)/poly(buthylene adipate-co-terephthlate) blend. The biocomposites were prepared with fiber as-received and alkaline treated. The mechanical properties of biocomposites were increased by the fibers content; and the alkaline treatment was efficient to promote a good adhesion between fiber and polymer. In the case of the Juta fiber, the alkaline treatment used was too strong and led to fiber degradation. The results presented here show an alternative and continuous process to obtain biocomposites with relevant mechanical properties using fiber roving and avoiding fiber degradation.

Keywords

• biocomposite
• natural fibers
• PBAT
• PLA/PBAT
• alkaline treatment