Author(s)

K. Takemura, S. Takai & H. Katogi

Abstract

In this study, the effects of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) addition and water absorption on mechanical properties of jute fiber reinforced composites were investigated. Plain woven jute fiber cloth was used as reinforcement. Polylactic acid (PLA) was used as matrix. Additions of MFC are conducted to matrix or reinforcement. Specimens were fabricated by the compression molding method. Static flexural and izod impact tests of composites were conducted. As a result, the following conclusions are obtained. The addition of MFC was effective for an improvement of flexural property. But, when the amount of MFC is too much, the mechanical properties decreased. The reason is thought that the interfacial adhesion was decreased by MFC addition．In addition, the interfacial adhesion was decreased by absorbing water. The water absorption rate increased with an increase of immersion time and adding MFC. Flexural strength decreases by water absorption, but impact strength can be improved. Impact strength with emulsion PLA almost did not change after immersion. Keywords: biodegradable resin, microfibrillated cellulose, natural fiber, water absorption, flexural, impact. 1 Introduction Composite materials with high specific strength and high specific stiffness have attracting attentions from a wide variety of fields. However, the solution of the global warming is a major issue in the industrial society. Therefore, natural fiber reinforced plastics (NFRP) composed by natural fiber and biodegradable resin is focused as environmentally-friendly materials [1–3]. However, mechanical properties of NFRP are inferior to glass fiber reinforce plastics. The

Keywords

biodegradable resin, microfibrillated cellulose, natural fiber, water absorption, flexural, impact.