Abstract
In this study, a synergistic treatment including dopamine (DA) modification and alkali pretreatment on bamboo fiber (BF) was used as reinforcement in a polylactic acid (PLA) matrix to improve the mechanical and thermal properties of BF/PLA composites. The effects of the sodium hydroxide loading rate on the performance of mussel-inspired dopamine-modified bamboo fiber and the BF/PLA composites were evaluated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), mechanical testing (examining flexural, tensile, and impact properties), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Analysis of the composites suggested that the optimal condition was treatment with a 4 wt % solution of NaOH and a 1 wt % concentration of dopamine. Compared with the untreated bamboo fiber/polylactic acid composites, the synergistic treatment improved the thermal properties and mechanical properties; flexural, tensile, and impact strengths increased by 16.1%, 34.4%, and 3.7%, respectively. It was further verified that appropriate alkali treatment was a promising approach in promoting the effect of dopamine-modified coating while maintaining the crystal structure of the cellulose.
Highlights
Many natural fiber polymer composites are being produced and applied
The characteristic peaks located at 1735 cm−1 and 1245 cm−1 are assigned to the vibration band of carbonyl (C=O) in hemicellulose and the acyl-oxygen (CO–OR) stretching vibration in hemicellulose and lignin [31]
The introduced dopamine in the composites functioned as a coupling agent to establish chemical connections between bamboo fiber and polylactic acid (PLA) matrix, which improved the interfacial adhesion of BF/PLA composites and their tensile and flexural properties
Summary
Many natural fiber polymer composites are being produced and applied. The composites are mainly used as reinforcement, and the thermoplastic polymer is used as the matrix. Polylactic acid (PLA) is an aliphatic polyester that has good biodegradable properties and biocompatibility. It is widely used in plastic products, packaging, and medical implant materials. Many of the PLA properties (such as stiffness and tensile strength) are compared to those of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Its thermal properties and mechanical properties are similar to those of polyethylene and polypropylene, which are considered an alternative to traditional petroleum-based products [5]. It is restricted by a high production cost, poor thermal stability, and brittleness. The preparation of composite materials by mixing bamboo fiber with PLA can improve performance, reduce production cost, and remedy PLA’s defects while ensuring its original biodegradation performance [6,7]
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