Mechanical and Morphological Properties of Poly(Lactic Acid)/Bagasse Fiber Composite Foams

Abstract

This research attempted to prepare composite foams of PLA/bagasse fiber with various fiber content at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 wt% and a fixed foaming agent with extra added 2 wt% for all composites. The mechanical properties and morphology of neat PLA and PLA/bagasse fiber composite foams were investigated. The tensile strength showed that the highest fiber content of 7 wt% was 45.27 MPa, while neat PLA was 25.63 MPa. Impact strength showed a decreasing trend with increasing fiber content. SEM analysis was important to reveal the phase of fiber and matrix for support to discuss the results trend of PLA and composite properties.