The Effect Of Dispersion On The Mechanical Properties Of PLA-Based Polymer Composites

Qurratu' Aini, Yaacob (2015) The Effect Of Dispersion On The Mechanical Properties Of PLA-Based Polymer Composites. Project Report. UTeM, Melaka, Malaysia. (Submitted)

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Abstract

This project investigates the effect on mechanical properties when pineapple leaf fibres (PALF) are reinforced with bio-based polymer, polylactic acid (PLA). At the same time, production of this biocomposite is aiming to replace the nonbiodegradable plastic. Alkaline treatment was employed to modify the strength of PALF and to improve fiber to matrix adhesion. PALF reinforced PLA biocomposites are made by using compression moulding process. PLA thin films were stacked together with unidirectional aligned PALF fibre prior to compression moulding via hot press machine to form a biocomposite plate. Mechanical properties of PALF reinforced PLA biocomposite shows a superior improvement with alkaline treatment. Three types of test were considered for this project which is tensile test (ASTM D3039), flexural test (ASTM D790) and impact test (ASTM D6110). Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was used to scrutinize the morphology of the PALF reinforced PLA biocomposite as well as to investigate dispersion on the biocomposite. It was demonstrated that a superior enhancement on mechanical properties of PALF reinforced PLA biocomposite can be achieved via the efficient of stress transfer at well uniform fibre-matrix dispersion.

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