The effect of type of rubber and kenaf loading on water absorption, impact properties and morphology of polylactic acid/rubber/kenaf biocomposite

In this study, polylactic acid/rubber/kenaf biocomposite was prepared via melt blending in internal mixer, followed by compression moulding. Two type of rubber was used; acrylonitrile butadiene rubber and natural rubber, while kenaf loading was varied from 0 to20 phr. The water absorption, impact properties and morphology of biocomposite were examined depending on kenaf loading and type of rubber. Water absorption percentage of biocomposite increased with increasing kenaf loading for both biocomposites. However, PLA/NBR/KF biocomposite showed higher water absorption, attributed from higher polarity of NBR compare to NR. Based from impact strength, increasing kenaf loading deteriorates the properties. PLA/NR/KF biocomposite exhibit higher impact strength because NR is tougher and able to undergo strain induced crystallization. The FESEM micrographs proven that poor interfacial adhesion of fiber-matrix in the biocomposite.