Author(s)

SHOMA MARUYAMA, HITOSHI TAKAGI, ANTONIO N. NAKAGAITO

Abstract

Green composites (GCs) consist of biodegradable resin and natural fibers. Due to the hydrophilicity of constituents, however, GCs are usually susceptible to water absorption. When GCs absorb water, the interface between the resin and fibers peels off, resulting in the shrinkage of the fibers after drying. In this study, we investigated the influence of silane treatment on water absorption and mechanical properties of polylactic acid/short bamboo fiber (PLA/SBF) composites. The silane treatment reduced water absorption and improved the mechanical strength of PLA/SBF composites, namely the tensile strength and Young’s modulus were increased by 72% and 30% respectively, compared with those of untreated PLA/SBF composites. The silane treatment also increased interfacial adhesion of resin/fiber resulting in improved water absorption rate. Thus, it is concluded that the silane treatment is effective for improving the mechanical and water-proofing performances of PLA/SBF composites.

Keywords

bamboo fiber, green composites, polylactic acid, silane treatment