Thermoforming-process of biopolymer composites

This work aims to study the behavior of two dimensional composites (2-D composites) during a thermoforming process. Polylactide acid (PLA) films were prepared in a hot press at a temperature of 155 degrees C and pressure of 90 kN/m(2). The obtained PLA-films were used as a base for further composite materials synthesis. Various glass fiber types and viscose rayon were used in order to improve the composite behavior. Those materials were further processed to final product packaging, in KIV Kreis GmbH via vacuum thermoforming. The mechanical properties were tested by means of tensile strength, tensile modulus, three point bending and Charpy impact strength. The morphological properties of the composite materials were investigated by digital microscope.