Mechanical and Thermal Characterization of Basalt and Hemp Fiber Reinforced Polylactide (PLA) Based Hybrid Bio-Composites

Abstract

Developing sustainable and eco-composites using matrix polymers and natural reinforcements from renewable resources or agro wastes has gained significant attention recently. In this context, biodegradable polylactide (PLA) polymer, basalt fiber (BF) - recognized as one of the green materials of this century - and hemp fiber (HF), which is increasingly valued globally and nationally, are promising candidates for inclusion in such composites. This study aims to create PLA-based hybrid biocomposites reinforced with BF and HF, investigating their mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties. The hybrid bio-composites with varying BF and HF contents (5-20%) were fabricated via melt mixing and subsequently shaped through injection molding by relevant test standards. The mechanical properties of the composites were assessed through tensile and hardness tests, thermal properties through the TGA, and morphological features through the SEM analysis. While adding 10% BF and HF in PLA showed the hybrid effect, a considerable improvement in mechanical properties was recorded, especially with a 15% increase in tensile strength. This research will optimize fiber ratios and processing parameters to enhance PLA bio composites' mechanical and thermal performance, thereby expanding the potential functional applications of PLA biopolymers.