Fire testing and mechanical properties of neat and elastomeric polylactic acid composites reinforced with raw and enzymatically treated hemp fibers

A new class of biobased composites with tailorable mechanical properties made natural fibers, polylactic acid, and ferulic acid derivatives (FAD) is studied. FAD was used to develop elastomeric like improved elongation at break highly reversible deformation upon elongation. Composites were prepared using raw enzymatically treated hemp fibers. The fibers defibrillated due the enzymatic treatment increasing their aspect ratio. characterized by reaction fire. No significant change in dispersion reported. Homogenously dispersed crystallites observed scanning electron microscopy PLA matrix interface between where they are suspected increase free volume correlation a decrease following ratio also degraded fire material an 10% peak Heat Release Rate (pHRR) comparison neat PLA. It increased charring residue up 3 wt.%. synergistic effect lignin