The Effect of Filler Content and Chemical Modification on the Properties of Poly(Lactic Acid)/Pandanus Amaryllifolius Biocomposite Films

Abstract

The biocomposite films of Polylactic acid (PLA) and Pandanus Amaryllifolius filler (PAF) were prepared using solvent casting method. The effect of PAF content and modification of PAF by silane coupling agent on mechanical, morphological and enzymatic biodegradation of PLA/PAF biocomposite films were determined. PAF content in PLA/PAF biocomposite films caused the tensile strength and elongation at break to decrease, meanwhile Young's modulus of biocomposite films increased. The SEM micrographs showed poor filler-matrix interaction between PAF and PLA matrix by showing rough surface morphology. The chemical modification of PAF using 3-APE silane coupling agent improved Young's modulus and tensile strength in biocomposite films however elongation at break has exhibited the trend of decrease. The morphological studied showed that modified PAF had better dispersion and interaction with PLA matrix by showing smoother surface morphology. The changes of functional group of unmodified and modified biocomposite films were proven by Fourier Transform Infrared study.