The changes in selected properties of flax fibre-reinforced biocomposites affected by plant modifier concentration

Abstract

The application of the sustainable materials is one of the basic steps towards environmentally friendly and resource-efficient society. The aim of the study was to characterise the effects of the natural plant modifier concentration on properties of the biocomposites. The paper describes the influence of tannic acid (TA) concentration on flax fibre-reinforced biocomposites. The prepared biocomposites contained polylactide in 20 wt% and flax fibres (Linum usitatissimum) in 80 wt%, while the modifier concentrations varied from 1 % to 10 %. The manufacturing methods included extrusion and injection moulding of the biocomposites. The evaluation of the effects of modifier concentration on selected parameters of biocomposites was conducted using mechanical tests - tensile tests, thermomechanical - dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and thermal tests - differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TG). Additionally, biocidal and wettability studies were conducted. The examination results revealed, that 5 % is an optimum concentration of modifier which positively affected both mechanical and biocidal properties. The efficient use of modifiers can help in natural resources conversion and minimization of environmental impacts.