Manufacturing and compatibilization of binary blends of superheated steam treated jute and poly (lactic acid) biocomposites by melt-blending technique
Md. Abdul Alim, Md. Moniruzzaman, Md. Muzaher Hossain, Wahiduzzaman, Md. Reazuddin Repon, Ismail Hossain, Mohammad Abdul Jalil
Abstract
This work investigated the effect of superheated steam (SHS) jute fiber and poly (lactic acid) (PLA) having a weight proportion of 30:70 which were synthesized using the melt blending method. The goal of this treatment was to boost up the fiber-polymer interfacial linkage. The action was conducted in a superheated steam oven at various times (30-120 min) and temperatures (170-220 °C). The biocomposites were assessed in terms of mechanical characteristics, dimensional stability and morphological properties. Compared to different treatment temperatures, the results showed that treatment at 210 °C for 60 min offered the best tensile characteristics. Because of the presence of SHS-Jute, the tensile, impact, bending and dimensional stability of the bio-composites have been improved. The FTIR and SEM study revealed progress in the interfacial linkage between SHS-Jute and PLA. This interfacial link improves the bending strength of SHS-Jute-PLA biocomposites by about 15.64%. X-ray diffraction (XRD) investigation also showed an elevation in the crystalline structure with the incorporation of SHS-Jute. The degradation tests of the biocomposite were carried out in deionized water. SHS treatment reduces hemicellulose contents in jute fiber which causes water uptake% reduction is 54% in SHS-Jute-PLA. The SHS-Jute-PLA biocomposite appeared with promising characteristics for utilization as a green and ecological substitute particle board material.