Fully bio-degradable jute fabric reinforced polylactic acid composite for architectural application

Abstract

Biodegradable polymers can potentially be combined with natural fibers to produce biodegradable composite materials. In this work, PLA (Polylactide) was used in combination with Jute fabric to generate bio-composite by compression molding technique. Various mechanical characterizations like tensile, flexural and impact properties of bio-composite were determined. The result from mechanical testing showed that use of Jute fabric with PLA, increases the tensile strength and tensile modulus by 23% and 14% respectively. Flexural strength and impact strength were found to be increased by 8% and 102% respectively. However the use of Jute fabric with PLA reduced the flexural modulus by 13% and further research is in progress to validate and authenticate the reason, why the flexural modulus is reduced. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigation also showed good bonding between the Jute fabric and PLA as there were no air voids. Water absorption results reported 0.62% increase in weight of the bio-composite for 24 hrs conditioned time. The findings of this work create the scope of use of the Jute fiber/ fabric for making fully biodegradable composites for potential application as architectural interiors in building construction sector. The developed composites were also used as the replacement for mica sheets for the table top, chairs, door panels and many more.