Effects of MA-g-PP and lignocellulosic filler addition on several properties of poly(L-lactic acid)/polypropylene composites

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of maleic anhydride-graft-polypropylene (MA-g-PP) as a compatibilizer and wood fiber as a lignocellulosic filler on technical properties of poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA)/polypropylene composites. The obtained composites were characterized through mechanical tests, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning analyzer, and chemical analysis via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The obtained results showed that the mechanical properties of the composites containing MA-g-PP were higher than those of the composites without MA-g-PP. SEM images revealed that the morphological properties of the composites including PP and PLLA were improved. The chemical interactions between PP and PLLA were demonstrated through FTIR results of composites with MA-g-PP.