Polylactic acid/corn cob eco-composites

Abstract

A new organic coupling agent called coconut oil coupling agent (COCA) was produced from coconut oil. The effects of filler content and COCA on mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of corn cob (CC)-filled polylactic acid (PLA) eco-composites were studied. The results show that the addition of CC decreased the tensile strength and elongation at break but increased the modulus of elasticity of PLA/CC eco-composites. However, the presence of COCA improved the tensile strength, elongation at break, and modulus of elasticity of PLA/CC eco-composites. Meanwhile, the glass transition temperature ( Tg) of PLA/CC eco-composites was increased by increasing the CC content and COCA treatment. The peak crystallization temperature ( Tc) in PLA/CC eco-composites indicated the nucleating effect of CC and the Tc of PLA/CC eco-composites decreased at 40 php of CC content. The addition of CC increased the melting temperature ( Tm) of PLA/CC eco-composites but reduced the crystallinity of PLA/CC eco-composites. The COCA treatment enhanced the mechanical properties and the crystallization process of PLA/CC eco-composites. The Tc and Tm of PLA/CC eco-composites were not significantly affected by COCA treatment. The presence of COCA improved the adhesion and interaction between CC and PLA matrix.