Biodegradable polymers such as polylactide (PLA) have been widely studied during the past decade. PLA has better mechanical properties than polypropylene (PP). However, in some cases, PLA cannot be used independently for the adjustment of toughness. A relatively easy way to improve the mechanical properties of a polymer is the addition of fibers or filler materials. Bamboo is an abundant natural resource in Asia and South America, and its overall mechanical properties are comparable to or surpass those of wood. It is necessary to develop a practical process for fabricating bamboo fiber reinforced composites. The present study evaluates the mechanical and thermal performances of the pre-treated bamboo reinforced biocomposites. In order to enhance the behavior of these composites, bamboo fibers have been treated with sodium hydroxide and a silane coupling agent. 3- Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS) was used as a surface modifying coupling agent for bamboo fibers, because of the ability of APS to bond to PLA, as suggested by Dupraz et al.. During the surface treatment, APS hydrolyzes and the resultant silanol groups can bond with the bamboo fiber surface. Amine groups from APS can form hydrogen bonds to COO-sites on the hydrolyzed PLA backbone. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of fiber surface treatment on the mechanical and thermal-mechanical properties of the bamboo fiber reinforced PLA composites. Bamboo fiber reinforced PP composites were also processed in order to compare their properties with PLA composites.
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