Exploring the potential of agricultural waste enset fibers reinforced poly lactic acid biocomposites

Abstract

This study explores the environmental sustainability of composite materials by reinforcing agricultural residue enset fiber as a potential reinforcement. Initially, enset fibers underwent a 5 wt% sodium hydroxide treatment to eliminate impurities and enhance fiber-matrix adhesion in the subsequent biocomposite fabrication process. Various enset fiber-to-polylactic acid ratios were blended and opened to enset/PLA fibers mat using a fiber carding machine, and the resulting biocomposite material was prepared through the hot press. A comprehensive assessment covering mechanical, thermal, dynamic mechanical, water absorption, and morphological properties was conducted on the enset/PLA biocomposites. The results showed increased mechanical (tensile strength of 24.12 MPa, bending stress of 33.02 MPa, flexural modulus of 2.01 GPa, the impact resistance of 12 kJ/m2) and thermomechanical properties with increased enset fiber loading, with optimum value at a 30 % weight percentage. The Differential scanning calorimetry results showed the addition of enset fiber increases the glass transition temperatures and degree of crystallinity. SEM images confirmed robust adhesion between enset fibers and PLA. This study highlights the potential applications of enset/PLA composites in automotive, furniture, packaging, and diverse industries, emphasizing their promising role in sustainable material development.