Study of dielectric properties of biodegradable composites using (Poly)lactic acid and Luffa fiber

Abstract

Composites were made from bio degradable polymer (poly)lactic acid and lignocellulosic materials derived from natural fibers of luffa cylindrica using injection moulding technique. Before reinforcement in the poymer, the fibers were subjected to chemical treatments like alkali treatment, bleaching and acid hydrolysis. Frequency dependence of dielectric parameters like dielectric constant, di electric loss and ac conductivity of the composites were investigated in the frequency range from 1000Hz to 1MHz. The effect of wt of fiber in the composites on the above mentioned dielectric parameters were also evaluated. The experimental results show that the values of dielectric constant, ac conductivity and loss factor increase with increase in wt of fiber in the polymer matrix. However when fibers exposed to alkali treatment, bleaching and acid hydrolysis were incorporated in to the matrix, the composites showed inferior dielectric response compared to composites having fibers exposed to alkali treatment and bleaching only. It was also found that dielectric constant and dielectric loss factor of all the composite samples decreased with increase in frequency of the applied field. However, the ac conductivity of all the samples is found to increase with increase in frequency.