Processing and characterization of novel Himalayacalamus falconeri fiber reinforced biodegradable composites

In the present experimental investigation, novel Himalayacalamus falconeri fiber reinforced polylactic acid biocomposites were developed via direct injection molding. Standard test procedures were used to evaluate the mechanical, thermal, microstructural, and water absorption properties of the developed biocomposites as a function of fiber concentration (5–20%) and alkali treatment (5% w/v NaOH solution). It was observed that the tensile, flexural, and impact strength of all developed biocomposites were gradually enhanced with the addition of fiber concentration up to 15 wt.% and thereafter start decreasing with increasing fiber concentration up to 20%. Alkali-treated biocomposite with 15 wt.% fiber content (PLA/THF-15) exhibited the highest tensile strength (44.59 MPa ± 1.55 MPa) and flexural strength (75.68 MPa ± 0.88 MPa). Untreated biocomposite (PLA/UHF-15) showed a maximum impact strength of 41.61 J/m. Meanwhile, the fractured surfaces from mechanical testing were examined using a scanning electron microscope to identify the causes of failure in the developed biocomposites. Alkali-treated biocomposite with 20 wt.% fiber content (PLA/THF-20) exhibited the highest hardness value of 90.66 HD, while untreated biocomposite with 20 wt.% fiber content (PL/UHF-20) exhibited the maximum water absorption rate (2.60%) and soil degradation rate (2.18%). The Vicat softening temperature (VST) and heat deflection temperature (HDT) were found to be 56.7 °C for PL/THF-20 and 57.55 °C for PLA/THF-15, respectively. It can be concluded from this present investigation that short Himalayacalamus falconeri fiber can be used as reinforcement in PLA-based matrix to make entirely biodegradable green composites that can replace petroleum-based synthetic polymer composites in lightweight and non-structural applications.