Biocomposites based on poly(lactic acid) and kenaf fibers: Effect of micro-fibrillated cellulose

In this work, the influence of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) on the basic mechanical properties of PLA/kenaf fiber biocomposites has been studied. The addition of 5–15 % microfibrillated cellulose to a biocomposite premix has resulted in an increased glass transition temperature of the final product, produced by compression molding of previously melt-mixed composite components. The presence of MFC has influenced the interface-sensitive properties of the PLA/kenaf composite: at an optimal loading of 10 %, the interfacial energy release rate was increased by about 20 %. Moreover, flexural strength and modulus of the composites were also improved (from 34.8 MPa to 57.1 MPa and from 4.9 GPa to 5.8 GPa, respectively).