PROCESSING AND CHARACTERIZATION OF PLA-BAMBOO COMPOSITES WITH ACRYLIC ACID COUPLING AGENT AND MALEIC ACID COMPATIBILIZER.

摘要

Biodegradable polymer products based on renewable resources are rapidly gaining interest. The purpose of this work explores molding behavior and structural characteristics of bamboo reinforced Polylactic Acid (PLA). Bamboo flour with a particle diameter on the order of 400 microns was mixed with PLA and injection molded. A coupling agent of acrylic acid and maleic anhydride (MA) compatibilizer was found essential in improving distribution of bamboo particles in the PLA matrix. The data indicate that the addition of bamboo particles significantly alters injection molding characteristics. Agglomerations of bamboo particles may contribute to the observed reduction in flexural strength.