Physical Properties and Biodegradabilities of the PLA/ Soy-Oil Blends and Their Ramie Fiber Composites

A bio-based composite material was developed from soy-based bioplastic and natural fibers. This eco-friendly composite can be a substitute for petroleum-based composite materials. In this study, biodegradable composites based on the modified soybean oil and ramie fiber were prepared with various content of epoxidized soybean oil (ESO), acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (AESO), maleated acrylated soybean oil (MASO) and PLA. As a result, by blending with ESO, AESO and MASO, flexibility of PLA was largely enhanced. Also, deterioration of mechanical properties was prevented when the PLA/soybean oil blend was quenched in cold water. The Biodegradabilities of neat PLA and blends (PLA/ESO, PLA/AESO and PLA/ESO/ AESO) and their ramie fiber reinforced composites were retarded by adding ESO and AESO.