Thermal stability and flammability of coconut fiber reinforced poly(lactic acid) composites

This study examined the mechanical and thermophysical behavior of green composites. In the preparation procedure of the composite, a plasma treatment was applied to the surface of the coconut fibers to improve the interfacial adhesion between the fibers and matrix. The coconut fiber-reinforced PIA composites were prepared using the commingled yarn method. The mechanical properties of the composites, such as tensile strength, Young's modulus, and elongation at break were examined, and the shrinkage and flame retardant properties of the specimens were measured. From these experiments, the effect of the plasma treatment on the mechanical and thermophysical behavior of the coconut fibers/PLA composites was identified. In addition, morphological analysis was performed using scanning electron microscopy. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.