Micro fibre reinforced PLA and PP composites: Enzyme modification, mechanical and thermal properties

Micro fibres reinforced polylactide composites were fabricated using a high speed mixer followed by injection moulding with a fibre load of 40 wt.%. Prior to composite production, micro fibres were separated from grain by-products using a mixture of enzymes. The micro fibres processing parameters such as temperature, duration and enzyme concentration were optimised. The pH of the modification bath was adjusted using sodium hydroxide in combination with a phosphate buffer. In addition, 2 ml of chelating agent was also added in order to avoid the formation of metal-enzyme complex. In order to observe the changes on the fibres surface morphology and particle size, the micro fibres were characterised using a scanning electron microscope. The micro fibre composites were assessed: tensile, flexural, impact strength, energy absorption and heat deflection temperature properties. The properties of PLA composites were compared with those of PP composites.