Kenaf fiber/poly(ε-caprolactone) biocomposite with enhanced crystallization rate and mechanical properties

Plant-derived kenaf fiber (KF)-reinforced poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) biocomposites were successfully fabricated by the melt mixing technique. The crystallization behavior, morphology, and mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of PCL/KF composites with various KF weight contents were investigated. The crystallization rate, tensile and storage moduli significantly improved as compared to the virgin polymer. The half times of PCL/KF composite (20 wt % fiber content) in isothermal crystallization at 40°C and 45°C reduced to 31.6% and 42.0% of the neat PCL, respectively. Moreover, the tensile and storage modulus of the composite are improved by 146% and 223%, respectively, by the reinforcement with 30% KF. The morphology evaluated by SEM indicates good dispersion and adhesion between KF and PCL. Overall, these findings reveal that KF can be a potential reinforcement for the biodegradable polymer composites owing to its good ability to improve the mechanical properties as well as crystallization rate. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008