Kenaf fiber/poly(ε‐caprolactone) biocomposite with enhanced crystallization rate and mechanical properties

Abstract

Plant-derived kenaf fiber (KF)-reinforced poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) biocomposites were successfully fabricated by the melt mixing technique. The crystallization behavior, morphology, and mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of PCL/KF composites with various KF weight contents were investigated. The crystallization rate, tensile and storage moduli significantly improved as compared to the virgin polymer. The half times of PCL/KF composite (20 wt % fiber content) in isothermal crystallization at 408C and 458C reduced to 31.6% and 42.0% of the neat PCL, respectively. Moreover, the tensile and storage modulus of the composite are improved by 146% and 223%, respectively, by the reinforcement with 30% KF. The morphology evaluated by SEM indicates good dispersion and adhesion between KF and PCL. Overall, these findings reveal that KF can be a potential reinforcement for the biodegradable polymer composites owing to its good ability to improve the mechanical properties as well as crystallization rate.

Composites of poly(ε‐caprolactone) and Mo6S3I6 Nanowires

“…The slightly higher storage modulus (E′) of the PCL/5 wt% Mo 6 S 3 I 6 composite compared to unfilled PCL close to room temperature, suggests there is some stress transfer from the matrix to Mo 6 S 3 I 6 . Similar behavior has been reported for PCL/natural fiber composites 28. The increase in E′ was greater above T g than below T g .…”

Properties of Thermoplastic Starch/Kenaf Composite

“…The enhancement of tensile properties also was due to hydrogen bonding between the hydroxyl and carboxyl groups in the starch and kenaf fibre through the processing of the composites [10]. Hence, this improvement showed the good dispersion of the kenaf fibre in the composite and the efficiency of stress transfer from the matrix to the fibre [11].…”

Benefits of low kenaf loading in biobased composites of poly(L‐lactide) and kenaf fiber

“…Reinforcement of polymers with natural fibers has also been of interest. [1][2][3][4][5][6] A primary benefit is the improvement in mechanical properties. Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus, L.; family Malvaceae) is a tropicalseason herbaceous annual plant, related to cotton, okra, and hibiscus that can be produced across a large range of cultural conditions and locations, and has excellent potential as a commercial crop for industrial applications.…”