Surface-modified and untreated Cissus quadrangularis reinforced polylactic composite

Abstract Natural biodegradable composites are an excellent alternative for synthetic fiber reinforced composites as they have the inherent advantages of being lightweight, eco-friendly, sustainable, and biodegradable. This paper studies Cissus quadrangularis fiber reinforced polylactic acid matrix biodegradable composite fabricated by extrusion and injection moulding. Two alternative composites, with untreated and 10% sodium hydroxide alkali-treated Cissus quadrangularis fibers, are made with 5% fiber weight and polylactic acid matrix. The mechanical characterization and interfacial bonding strength of the untreated Cissus quadrangularis fiber reinforced with polylactic acid (UCQF/PLA) composite and 10 % sodium hydroxide treated Cissus quadrangularis fiber reinforced with polylactic acid (TCQF/PLA) composite. The results confirm that the TCQF/PLA treated fiber composite offers 16.53% higher tensile strength than the UCQF/PLA composite. Similarly, impact and flexural strength of the TCQF/PLA composite is 13.18% and 2.145%, respectively, higher than the UCQF/PLA composite material. A Field emission scanning electron microscope examines the interfacial bonding properties of the composites. The element constituents are determined using Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis. In short, the TCQF/PLA composite attained better mechanical properties than the UCQF/PLA composite and can, therefore the alkali treated composites be used light weight applications in automobile and agricultural applications than the untreated composite due to its higher mechanical property.