Effect of bamboo fibers with different coupling agents on the properties of poly(hydroxybutyrate‐co‐valerate) biocomposites

ABSTRACT Green biocomposites were prepared via injection molding with poly(hydroxybutyrate‐co‐valerate) and natural bamboo fibers. Three types of coupling agents were used to modify the fibers, and the influence of different kinds of coupling agents was evaluated. The mechanical properties of the biocomposites varied with the type and content of the coupling agents. The water absorption and thermal properties of the composites were measured simultaneously after treatment with the coupling agents. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was employed to analyze the principle of fiber treatment with different coupling agents. The mechanical properties of the composites markedly improved, whereas the water absorption decreased after modification. Treatment with coupling agents only slightly influences the thermal properties but improved the crystallinity of the composites. Therefore, the interfacial compatibility between the fiber and matrix was enhanced after modification, with the silane coupling agent exhibiting the best effect. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136 , 47533.