The influence of chemical surface modification of kenaf fiber using hydrogen peroxide on the mechanical properties of biodegradable kenaf fiber/poly(lactic acid) composites

Molecules. 2014 Mar 7;19(3):2957-68. doi: 10.3390/molecules19032957.

Abstract

Bleaching treatment of kenaf fiber was performed in alkaline medium containing hydrogen peroxide solution maintained at pH 11 and 80 °C for 60 min. The bleached kenaf fiber was analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis. The bleached kenaf fiber was then compounded with poly-(lactic acid) (PLA) via a melt blending method. The mechanical (tensile, flexural and impact) performance of the product was tested. The fiber treatment improved the mechanical properties of PLA/bleached kenaf fiber composites. Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) morphological analysis showed improvement of the interfacial adhesion between the fiber surface and polymer matrix.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry*
  • Hibiscus / chemistry*
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / chemistry*
  • Lactic Acid / chemistry*
  • Mechanical Phenomena*
  • Polyesters
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
  • Surface Properties
  • X-Ray Diffraction

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Polyesters
  • Polymers
  • Lactic Acid
  • poly(lactide)
  • Hydrogen Peroxide