Physical and flammability properties of treated sugar palm fibre reinforced polylactic acid composites

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the physical properties and flammability of a composite of polylactic acid (PLA) reinforced with chemically treated sugar palm fibre (SPF). Seven different SPF parameters have been evaluated: untreated, alkaline treatment with three alkaline solution concentrations of 4, 5 and 6% and 50 mL of benzoyl chloride treated SPFs at three different soaking times (10, 15 and 20 min). 30 wt.% of SPF reinforced with 70 wt.% PLA composites have been prepared by using a Brabender plastograph mixer and compression moulding. The 6% alkaline treated SPF/PLA composites resulted in the lowest water absorption and thickness swelling of 7.09% and 4.69%, respectively. These composites reached the lowest ‘maximum equilibrium sorption’ value (Formula presented.) of 5.94%. Benzoyl chloride treated SPF/PLA composites (for 15 min soaking) exhibited the highest density of 1.34 g/cm3 and void content had reduced from 14% to 0.7%. The flammability of the c omposites is characterised by the horizontal UL-94 and vertical UL-94V burning test. Through the flammability test, the outcomes reveal that treated SPF/PLA composites are highly fire-resistant, except for 6% alkaline treated SPF/PLA composites. Morphologies of the composites have been analysed using the scanning electron microscopy. The results revealed that the maximum surface roughness and fewer voids were accomplished after 6% alkaline treatment of SPF. The novel treated SPF/PLA composites are appropriate for the application of automobile components.