The Effect Of Coupling Agent On The Mechanical Properties Of PLA-Based Polymer Composites

Nur Amarina, Mahmood (2015) The Effect Of Coupling Agent On The Mechanical Properties Of PLA-Based Polymer Composites. Project Report. UTeM, Melaka, Malaysia. (Submitted)

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Abstract

This research describes biodegradable polymers using composites PLA as a matrix and reinforced with pineapple leaf fibres (PALF) to produce environmentally friendly “green composites”. To-date, there has been numerous published papers, highlight the potential composite of such materials to replace the synthetic composites. However, these type of biocomposites is well-known to be brittle in nature as well as possess low tensile strength and impact properties in comparison to that of the synthetic polymer composites. Hence, this research aims to investigate the effect of coupling agent in promoting improved bond between the fibre reinforcement and the polymer matrix, which enhanced the mechanical properties of biocomposites. In this research, pineapple leaf are considered natural fibre reinforcement and polylactid acid (PLA) as a biodegradable polymer. Mechanical properties have been conducted and analysed by characterised under tensile, flexural and impact loading according to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Findings show that PALF reinforced PLA composites possessed superior properties in comparison to that of the plain PLA. In addition, the effect of using alkaline pre treatment improved the bonding forms at the fibre/matrix interface.

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