Caulis spatholobi residue fiber reinforced biodegradable poly (propylene carbonate) composites: The effect of fiber content on mechanical and morphological properties

Abstract

Adding caulis spatholobi residue fiber (CSRF) to reinforce biodegradable poly (propylene carbonate) (PPC) as a reinforcement was investigated. The morphology of CSRF before and after continuous steam explosion, the mechanical and morphological properties of PPC/CSRF bio-composites with different fiber content were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mechanical tests and infrared spectroscopy. The tensile strength and modulus, and impact strength of the bio-composites increased as the content of fiber increased in composites, the elongation at break declined. It was found that a small stay-segment in the stress–strain curves and pulled-out fibers on fractured surfaces of the composites. Infrared spectra result showed esterification and formation of hydrogen bonds between the matrix and CSRF. The fractured surface of the composites addressed a promotion of the interfacial interactions. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:208–216, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers