Bamboo fabric reinforced polypropylene and poly(lactic acid) for packaging applications: Impact, thermal, and physical properties

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to explore the potential of using totally green composites made from renewable resources in packaging applications as compared to conventional thermoplastics. In this work, we undertook a comparative study of the functional properties related to the packaging applications of bamboo fabric–Polypropylene (PP) and bamboo fabric–Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites. Results indicate that Charpy impact strength was increased from 37.5 to 126 J/m for bamboo fabric–PLA composites and 204 to 278 J/m for bamboo fabric–PP composites compared to the pure polymers. Drop weight impact tests were also performed and the same trend was observed. Results of thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and heat deflection temperature analysis have shown that the addition of bamboo fabric improved the thermal resistance of these composites. Results indicate that bamboo fabric is a potential reinforcement for PLA composites, but possible packaging applications should avoid high humidity environment. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:1888–1899, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers