Improving poly(lactic acid) properties by using fibre reinforcement of wild silkworm attacus atlas

Abstract

Poly lactic acid (PLA) modification is needed to improve PLA properties. This can be done by adding natural fibre to the PLA matrix. This study aims to investigate both the thermal and mechanical properties of Attacus atlas fibre (cocoon and degummed fibre (DF)) and its biocomposites (PLA/Attacus atlas fibre). The thermal behaviour of A. atlas cocoon has a significant effect to heat treatment (P < 0.05) at 280, while DF at 240 based on colour change, weight loss, and fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy whicht shows that A. atlas fibre can withstand temperatures of 180-200. The mechanical and thermal properties of the biocomposites of PLA/Attacus atlas fibre were investigated using tensile strength, tensile modulus, thermal strength, and FTIR. The A. atlas fibre weight both DF and non-degummed fibre (NDF) content of 5, 10 and 15 wt% was observed in PLA matrix. The addition of 5 degummed fibre (5% DF) to PLA increased the pure PLA tensile strength by 8% and produced the highest tensile modulus (2.24 GPa). The data indicated that the addition of PLA/5% DF will improve the mechanical properties of PLA. The addition of A. atlas fibre to the PLA changes the thermal character of the PLA, characterised by crystallinity degree changes.