Improvement of Mechanical Properties of Polylactic Acid/Oil Palm Fiber Composites by Alkali Treatment

Abstract

The aim of this work is the improvement of mechanical properties of oil palm fiber (OPF) reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) composites by using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treatment. NaOH concentrations (0 to 15 %wt.) and treatment times (0 to 30 min) were varied to determine the suitable condition for surface treatment of OPF. Aspect ratio (L/D) and the surface texture of OPF were investigated by using an optical microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM), respectively. The result suggested that the most suitable condition for surface treatment of OPF was NaOH concentration of 10 %wt. at immersion time of 20 min. Aspect ratio and surface roughness of OPF increased after alkali treatment. For the effect of alkali treatment on the mechanical properties of the composite, it was evaluated by tensile and impact testings and SEM technique. The results showed that surface treatment with NaOH led to enhance mechanical properties of the composite due to improvement of interfacial adhesion.