Volume 18, No. 5, 2021
Mechanical characteristics of green reinforced with polylactic acid and Kenaf Bast and Center natural fiber
Resham Taluja , Pravin P Patil
Abstract
Green composites made of Polylactic Acid (PLA) were produced using melt compounding and compression moulding. Chemical and mechanical processes were used to prepare the kenaf bast and core fibres for manufacturing. Three different rotation speeds were used in an extrusion process in which PLA and kenaf fibres were combined at fibre loadings of 2%, 4%, and 6%. (60, 70 and 80 rpm). Flexural and impact tests were used to investigate the mechanical characteristics of both kenaf bast composites (KBC) and kenaf core composites (KCC). The flexural and impact strength of KBC and KCC after treatment with 1.0M acid at 60 rpm were significantly greater than those of untreated KBC and KCC. The stiffness of the fibre added to the PLA led to a greater flexural modulus in KBC at a loading of 6% fibre. When comparing KBC with 6 percent fibre loading with 4 percent fibre loading, the latter offers greater flexural strength. However, KCC with 2% fibre loading had the greatest flexural modulus and strength. On the other hand, both KBC and KCC were strongest when loaded with 4% fibre, which is the optimal percentage for impact characteristics.
Pages: 3031-3041
Keywords: Polylactic acid, green composites, kenaf bast fibre, and kenaf