Preparation and properties of PBS/sisal‐fiber composites

Abstract We report the preparation of polybutylene succinate (PBS)/sisal‐fiber (SF) composites. The effects of mixing temperature and of steam‐explosion pretreatment of SFs on the mechanical properties of the composites were investigated, and the mechanism of action was studied by infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results indicate that as the mixing temperature increases, PBS flows better and can graft onto steam‐exploded sisal fiber (SESF), the interfacial bond property between SESF and PBS improves, and the mechanical properties of the composites improve. The mechanical properties of the composites are maximal for a mixing temperature of 200°C. The results also demonstrate that the cellulose content and the specific fiber surface area can be increased by steam‐explosion pretreatment, so that the mechanical properties of the composites can be improved. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers