Processing torque, tensile properties and morphological study of PLA/NR/kenaf biocomposite

Biocomposite from natural rubber toughen polylactic acid (PLA) and kenaf core powder (KF) was prepared by melt blending method. The effect of kenaf loading on the biocomposite was studied based on the processability, tensile properties and morphological study. Processing and stabilization torque of biocomposite increased with increasing kenaf loading attributed from more resistance to shearing action generated by kenaf particles in the biocomposites. Addition of kenaf core powder was found to deteriorate the tensile strength and elongation at break of biocomposite due to poor interfacial adhesion as proven by FESEM micrograph. However, the tensile modulus was enhanced gradually with kenaf loading because of the rigidity and stiffness of kenaf core powder itself.