Morphology and mechanical properties of PVC/straw‐fiber coated with liquid nitrile‐butadiene rubber composites

ABSTRACT This study exhibited an approach of high‐value utilization of straw fiber (SF) in polymer composites. The rigid poly(vinyl chloride) [PVC]/SF and PVC/SF coated with liquid nitrile‐butadiene rubber (PVC/LNBR‐SF) composites were both fabricated by melt mixing. The chemical structure and crystal structure of LNBR‐SF were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The mechanical properties and micro‐structure of PVC/SF and PVC/LNBR‐SF composites were also studied. FTIR and XRD results showed that the chemical structure and crystal structure of SF did not change after modifying with LNBR. The mechanical properties analysis showed that the PVC/LNBR‐SF composites exhibited better tensile strength, elongation at break and notched impact strength than those of PVC/SF composites owing to the compatibilization and toughening effect of LNBR. Scanning electron microscope results indicated that the LNBR improved the dispersion of SF in PVC matrix to some extent. The interface adhesion between SF and PVC matrix with adding LNBR was also enhanced. These results suggested that PVC/LNBR‐SF composites exhibited promising potential for practical application in substitute for wood. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133 , 44119.