Hybrid bio-composite from talc, wood fiber and bioplastic: Fabrication and characterization

Abstract

This investigation deals with the development of hybrid composites from wood fiber, talc and a bioplastic i.e., polyhydroxybutyrate-co-valerate (PHBV) using the extrusion–injection molding. Synergistic improvement in the mechanical properties of PHBV–wood fiber composites were obtained with the additional reinforcement of micro sized talc in it. The compositional design of hybrid green composites primarily focuses to create a balance among the cost effectiveness, the environment friendliness and the characteristics of the hybrid composites. The hybrid green composites showed a pronounced leap of 200% in the Young’s and flexural modulus with the dual reinforcement of 20 wt.% talc and 20 wt.% wood fiber in PHBV matrix. The dynamic-mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties of the composite were experimentally determined and show similar trend. The theoretical reasoning based on the surface energy parameters of the interacting components in the composite is elaborated to explain the reinforcing effect of talc and wood fiber. The Morphological analysis of the hybrid composite was carried out using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), to study the interfacial interactions among the different components in the hybrid composite. The quantitative decrease of 36% in coefficient of linear thermal expansion, and the improvement in heat deflection temperature of the hybrid composite was also observed. This investigation was based on the structure–property-processing, co-relationships of the three components in order to obtain hybrid composites.