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Towards Biomimicking Wood: Fabricated Free-standing Films of Nanocellulose, Lignin, and a Synthetic Polycation
Published on: June 17, 2014
Biocomposite from polylactic acid and lignocellulosic fibers: structure-property correlations.
1Laboratory of Plastics and Rubber Technology, Department of Physical Chemistry and Materials Science, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, H-1521 Budapest, P.O. Box 91, Hungary.
Carbohydrate Polymers
|February 13, 2013
Summary
This study investigated polylactic acid (PLA) biocomposites reinforced with corn cob fractions. Particle size and interfacial adhesion significantly influenced composite strength, with large particles causing failure.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Composite Materials
Background:
- Biocomposites offer sustainable alternatives to traditional materials.
- Corn cob, a lignocellulosic agricultural waste, presents a potential reinforcement filler.
- Understanding filler-matrix interactions is crucial for optimizing composite performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the mechanical properties of polylactic acid (PLA) biocomposites reinforced with different corn cob fractions.
- To investigate the micromechanical deformation and failure mechanisms in these biocomposites.
- To compare the performance of corn cob fillers with a wood fiber reference.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of PLA biocomposites using three corn cob fractions and wood fiber.
- Characterization via tensile testing, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and polarization optical microscopy (POM).
- Monitoring micromechanical processes using acoustic emission (AE) measurements.
Main Results:
- Two distinct micromechanical deformation processes were observed in composites with heavy corn cob fractions, linked to soft and hard particle fracture.
- Soft particle fracture did not lead to composite failure; failure initiated from hard particle fracture or matrix cracking.
- Large particles easily debonded, causing catastrophic failure at low stresses, while particle fracture during compounding equalized reinforcement.
Conclusions:
- Corn cob fractions can reinforce PLA biocomposites, but particle size is critical.
- Interfacial adhesion plays a key role, and particle fracture during processing can mitigate size effects.
- Optimizing filler characteristics and processing is essential for developing high-performance biocomposites.
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