Open AccessAreca Short Fiber Reinforced Polylactic Acid (PLA) Composites: Influence of Physical Treatment on Properties
Author(s) -
Raghuveer H. Desai,
L. Krishnamurthy
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
international journal of recent technology and engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2277-3878
DOI - 10.35940/ijrte.d7921.118419
Subject(s) - polylactic acid , materials science , composite material , flexural strength , areca , fiber , ultimate tensile strength , flexural modulus , izod impact strength test , composite number , polymer , structural engineering , nut , engineering
There is growing need to develop new biodegradable composite material which are eco-friendly and at the same time cater to the product application requirements. The research emphasis on study the properties of composites prepared by arbitrarily distributed UV treated areca fibers with Polylactic acid. Ultraviolet – a physical surface treatment has been carried out to treat areca short fibers which have been extracted from areca husk. Surface treatment significantly improves the bond between the fiber- matrix interface. The preparation of test samples has been performed using plain Polylactic acid, Polylactic acid - untreated areca short fiber (PLA-UnASF) and Polylactic acid - UV treated areca short fiber (PLA-TrASF) as per ASTM standards by means of injection moulding method. Varying fiber loading viz., 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% by weight have been utilized to develop test specimens. Developed composites have been portrayed for properties like density, moisture absorption, mechanical - tensile strength and modulus, flexural strength and modulus, izod impact strength, hardness, electrical - dielectric strength, thermal – TGA and DSC and soil degradation. The results indicate an improvement in strengths of composite with increase in fiber loading and physically treatment. This new material can be utilized for house hold appliances, automobiles and industrial applications.