Abstract
Fiber reinforced plastics using natural fibers are attracting keen interest as renewable materials and for efficient CO2 fixation. We focused on Erianthus arudinaceus as a cellulose resource crop for enhancing the mechanical properties and the thermal stability of biocomposites and improving the interfacial adhesion between polypropylene (PP) and Erianthus fiber (ETF). To achieve this purpose, we proposed classifications of fiber size after grinding. Maleic anhydride-polypropylene (MAPP) is used as a compatibilizer in the polymer matrix. The ETF/PP and ETF/PP/MAPP composites were prepared using a twin screw extrusion followed by injection molding. Tensile strength and flexural strength of ETF/PP composites revealed a weak adhesion between matrix and wood fibers. However, the ETF/PP/MAPP composites show improved tensile strength and flexural strength. Moreover, we examined the influence of ETF fiber size in biocomposites on mechanical strength and thermal degradation stability.
