Biocomposite fabrication from pilot-scale steam-exploded coconut fiber and PLA/PBS with mechanical and thermal characterizations. (15th December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Inseemeesak, Bundit; Siripaiboon, Chootrakul; Somkeattikul, Kreetha; Attasophonwattana, Patcharaporn; Kiatiwat, Thanya; Punsuvon, Vittaya; Areeprasert, Chinnathan
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 379:Part 1(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-12-15
• Subjects: Coconut fiber -- PLA -- PBS -- Biocomposite -- Steam explosion; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.134517
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: Biodegradable fiber-reinforced biocomposites from steam-exploded coconut fibers and polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene succinate (PBS) plastic were developed in this study. Biocomposite filaments and samples were produced using a commercial-scale screw extruder and a 3D printer, respectively. In-depth mechanical and thermal analyses were also performed. The results showed that the tensile strengths of PLA mixed with 3% coconut fiber (PLA97/F3) and 6% coconut fiber (PLA94/F6) decreased by approximately 22% and 23%, respectively, compared to the 64% reduction of that of the original PLA after four-week storage. The bending modulus of the PLA/fiber composite was better than that of the original PLA (21–29% higher), whereas a 5–8% improvement was observed for the PLA/PBS/fiber composites. The impact strengths of PLA97/F3 and PLA77/PBS20/F3 were approximately 8.5% and 7.4% higher than those of the original PLA and PLA/PBS, respectively. During the degradation test, both PLA97/F3 and PLA77/PBS20/F3 exhibited higher tensile strengths than the original materials. Finally, this research presents encouraging results for the production of biodegradable fiber-reinforced biocomposites that are applicable to 3D printing platforms. The final products can be used as replacement or aftermarket components of automobiles. Highlights: PLA, PBS, and steam-exploded coconut fiber were used for filament production. The 3D-printed biocomposites were subjected to mechanical and thermal tests. Coconut fiber is effective as a natural fiber reinforcement material. The products have higher tensile strengths than original materials during degradation test.