• Journal of Adhesion and Interface
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.1-11
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• 2008

In the present study, kenaf fibers were treated with sodium hydroxide using soaking and ultrasonic methods prior to biocomposite processing, respectively. The effect of alkali treatment on the kenaf-PLA interfacial adhesion and mechanical and thermal characteristics of kenaf/poly(lactic acid) biocomposites was investigated in terms of their interfacial shear strength, flexural properties, dynamic mechanical properties and thermal stability and also microscopic observations of kenaf fibers and the composite fracture surfaces. As a result, use of both soaking and ultrasonic methods for treating kenaf fiber surfaces played a role in increasing the fiber-matrix adhesion and the mechanical properties of the biocomposites. Their characteristics depended not only on the fiber surface treatment method but also on the treatment condition like alkali concentration and treatment time.

• Elastomers and Composites
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.195-203
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• 2011

Eco-friendly materials or bio-composites were made with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) as matrix polymer and kenaf fibers as filler. Also, acetylated kenaf fibers and compatibilizer were adopted in order to improve the interfacial adhesion between fiber and polymer. In this study, the effect of chemical modification and compatibilizer on the mechanical-viscoelastic and morphology properties of the bio-composites was discussed. The hydrophobic fibers by acetylation were known to show better interfacial bonding with the matrix polymer and resulted in improved performance and morphology. Viscoelastic property and glass transition temperature, however, were not nearly enhanced.