Effect of PEG on tensile properties of PLA-Based biocomposite

• Main Authors: Anuar, Hazleen, Ab Kadir, Suzana, Kaiser, Mohamed Rejaul, Samat, Noorasikin, Hassan, Noor Azlina, Surip, Siti Norasmah
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English
• Published: 2012
• Subjects: TS800 Wood technology. Lumber. Wood products. Furniture. Chemical processing of wood
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/26607/1/AT-29_Hazleen.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/26607/
• Institution: Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia

Hybridization of polylactic acid (PLA), kenaf fibre (KF) and montmontmorillonite (MMT) is expected to contribute to new class of biodegradable materials. In light with this, three types of composites were developed namely PLA-KF biocomposite, PLA-MMT nanocomposite and PLA-KF-MMT hybrid biocomposite. On the basis of sustainable and green material, this paper aims to investigate the effect of plasticizer on the tensile properties of PLA composites. PLA and its composites were compounded using twin screw extruder and then injection moulded for tensile characterization. PLA with different content of 0, 1, 3 and 5 wt% polyethylene glycol (PEG) 600 molecular weight (Mw) was prepared to determine the optimum content of plasticizer. From tensile test, it was found that PEG content at 3 wt% produced the highest tensile strength. Thus, 3 wt% PEG was added during extrusion process to produce PLA-based biocomposites. The presence of PEG significantly amplified the tensile strength of PLA-KF biocomposite by about 114% as compared to unplasticized PLA-KF biocomposite. Addition of PEG slightly increased the tensile modulus for all PLA-based composites. This suggested that compatibility in the structure of PLA and PEG enhanced the processability and subsequently improved the properties of PLA-based composites.