Influence of short natural fibers on rheological behavior of polylactid acid (PLA) composites

Abstract

The incorporation of natural fibers (coconut and sisal) into a biodegradable polymer (PLA) is expected to affect its rheological behavior. In this study, the preparation of PLA compounds with coconut and sisal fibers at 1, 3, and 5% by weight is reported, and their analysis is conducted through dynamic rheometry. The complex viscosity of the PLA matrix and its compounds exhibited Newtonian behavior at low shear rates, followed by shear thinning typical of polymeric materials. As for the storage and loss modulus, the compounds showed an increase compared to PLA. This increase suggests that the incorporation of fibers enhances the flow behavior in the molten state of the material, potentially expanding the range of applications of the material on a larger scale.