Glycidyl methacrylate-compatibilized poly(lactic acid)/nanoclay/agave fiber hybrid biocomposites: Effect on the physical and mechanical properties

This study evaluates the effect of agave fiber and nanoclay reinforcers over poly(lactic acid) (PLA) properties. Also, a compatibilizer based on glycidyl methacrylate and PLA was used to enhance the fiber-PLA interaction. The results showed that crystallinity of PLA was increased with nanoclay addition while fiber inclusion decreased it. Tensile and flexural moduli were increased by both reinforcements. The agave fibers affect negatively the tensile and flexural strengths, but they were importantly recovered by the used of the compatibilizer. Even though the nanoclay did not modify the impact strength, it was increased with agave fiber addition. The water absorption results showed that the coupling agent decreases the rate and maximum water absorption of the biocomposites. In general, it was concluded that with a proper combination of both reinforcers (hybridization) and the compatibilizer, it is possible to control the final characteristics of the biocomposite according to the desired or potential applications.

Keywords: PLA, Agave fiber, Nanoclays, Biocomposites, Mechanical properties.