Mechanical properties of kenaf fibers reinforced biodegradable composites

Multi-ply laminate biodegradable composites made from kenaf fibers and polylactide acid biodegradable resin we're fabricated by a hot press forming. The effects of different laminate methods and kenaf fiber mass fractions on mechanical properties were investigated. The tensile properties and impact strength of the unidirectional (0 degrees ply) and cross-ply laminate composites increased with increasing fiber mass fraction. This clarified the reinforcement effect of kenaf fibers. Compared with the unidirectional (90 degrees ply) and cross-ply laminate composites, the tensile properties and impact strength of the unidirectional (0 degrees ply) composite showed higher values. This was attributed to the different fiber orientations in these composites. The observations of the tensile and impact fracture modes and SEM micrographs of the fracture surface could support this result.