Flax fibers reinforced polycaprolactone modified by triallyl isocyanurate and electron radiation

Short flax fibers reinforced polycaprolactone (PCL) was crosslinked using electron irradiation and triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC) as coupling agent to improve mechanical properties. Effects of radiation dose and TAIC content on mechanical properties of PCL composites were studied using tensile, impact strength, and dynamic mechanical testing. Selected samples were examined using gel fraction analysis, thermogravimetry, and differential scanning calorimetry to define structural changes induced by electron irradiation at various content of TAIC. Biocomposites were manufactured by conventional extrusion and injection molding processing. Environmental stability of the biocomposites was evaluated for samples subjected to industrial composting. It was found that electron irradiation along with application of TAIC can improve both mechanical properties and environmental stability of flax fibers‐reinforced PCL. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:481–488, 2019. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers