Development and Mechanical/Thermal Analysis of Basalt/Sisal Fiber Reinforced Poly(Lactic Acid) Composites

摘要

In this study, an attempt has been made to reinforce Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) with Basalt/Sisal fibers. Three different proportions of hybrid composites were prepared by blending PLA and treated basalt/sisal fibers using Twin Screw Extruder. The extruded pellets were then moulded to ASTM standards using Injection Moulding technique. The mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural and Impact strength were investigated and DSC is employed to study the crystallization and melting behavior of composites. Thermo--mechanical properties of hybrid composites were studied using Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) and Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) conducted on the fracture surfaces of the hybrid composites reveals superior interfacial linkage between the hybrid fiber and Poly lactic acid matrix. The results suggest that PLA reinforced with 10 wt% of basalt and 10 wt% of sisal fibers (PBSi-3) were found to have good mechanical and thermal properties when compared to PBSi-2 (7.5% Basalt and 7.5% Sisal) and PBSi-1 (5% Basalt and 5% Sisal) composites.