In situ reactive interfacial compatibilization of polylactide/sisal fiber biocomposites via melt-blending with an epoxy-functionalized terpolymer elastomer

Abstract

The in situ reactive interfacial compatibilization and properties of polylactide/sisal fiber biocomposites made via melt blending with an epoxy-functionalized terpolymer elastomer, ethylene/methyl acrylate/glycidyl methacrylate (EGMA), were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy results showed that the introduction of EGMA improved the interfacial adhesion between the sisal fibers (SF) and matrix, which was ascribed to the improved interfacial compatibilization between the polylactide and fibers via in situ reaction with EGMA during the melt-blending processing. It was also observed that the EGMA tends to weld on the surface of the fibers, which is called a self-weld fiber structure. The interfacial reaction and microstructure of the composites were further investigated by FTIR characterization, and thermal and rheological analyses. The results demonstrated that the mobility of the polylactide molecular chain was restricted due to the enhanced interfacial interaction of the composites. The addition of EGMA improved the toughness of the polylactide/sisal fiber composites without much decline in the tensile strength. Polylactide/sisal fiber composites with a good stiffness-toughness balance were obtained.