Crystallization Behavior of Vetiver Grass Fiber-Polylactic Acid Composite

Abstract:

this work, vetiver fiber was used as a filler for poly (lactic acid) (PLA). The thermal properties of neat PLA and vetiver fiber-PLA composites were investigated. Talc as a nucleating agent was used to compare the nucleating effect on crystallization of the composites from vetiver fiber. It was found that crystallization rate was highest in the case of talc-PLA composites. Beside, the crystallization rate of PLA with 20%vetiver fiber content was higher than that of neat PLA and 1-10% (w/w) vetiver fiber-PLA composites. The equilibrium melting temperature (T⁰_m) of neat PLA and PLA composites was obtained from Hoffman-Weeks plot. It was found that the presence of vetiver fiber and talc caused T⁰_m values of PLA decreased compared to that of neat PLA. In addition, T⁰_m values of PLA decreased with increasing vetiver fiber content. For non-isothermal crystallization, degree of crystallinity ( %X_C ) increased with the presence of vetiver fiber compared to that of neat PLA. As vetiver fiber content increased, %X_C increased. Similarly, the incorporation of talc led to an increase in %X_C compared to that of neat PLA. PLA with 1%talc content showed the highest %X_C compared to neat PLA and other PLA composites. Moreover, %X_C decreased with increasing talc content.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volume 410)
• Pages: 55-58
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.410.55
• Online since: November 2011
• Authors: Somruetai Boonying, Wimonlak Sutapun, Nitinat Suppakarn, Yupaporn Ruksakulpiwat
• Keywords: Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), Talc, Thermal Property, Vetiver Fiber

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