Production of Biocomposites Using Different Pre-treated Cut Jute Fibre and Polylactic Acid Matrix and Their Properties

Heidy Burrola-Núñez, Pedro Herrera-Franco, Herlinda Soto-Valdez, Dora Evelia Rodríguez-Félix, Rodrigo Meléndrez-Amavizca, Tomás Jesús Madera-Santana*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

The extensive use of petroleum-based plastics has led to serious environmental problems worldwide. A viable alternative is to replace these polymers with those that are biodegradable. Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer with properties that are similar to petroleum-based polymers. However, it has some drawbacks such as brittleness, poor impact strength, low heat distortion, and poor difficulties in thermal stability during processing. In this study, we describe the use of modified jute fibres to reinforce the PLA polymer matrix in order to improve its adhesion. Biocomposites of PLA and cut jute fibres (CJF) were prepared by extrusion. The CJF were modified using three different physical and chemical pretreatments (alkaline, maleic anhydride functionalization, and gamma irradiation). The results showed improvement in the mechanical, thermal, structural, and morphological properties of PLA biocomposites with 10% wt. CJF that were subjected to gamma irradiation at 50 kGy. The biocomposites developed could be used for rigid food packaging and are a good alternative for reducing domestic dependence on petroleum-based thermoplastics.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1604-1617
Number of pages14
JournalJournal of Natural Fibers
Volume18
Issue number11
DOIs
StateAccepted/In press - 1 Jan 2019

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2019 Taylor & Francis.

Keywords

  • biocomposites
  • extrusion
  • gamma irradiation
  • jute fibre
  • Polylactic acid

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