X-ray diffraction studies on stress transfer of kenaf reinforced poly(l-lactic acid) composite

Mechanical reinforcement of environmentally friendly composite, composed of kenaf fibers as reinforcement and poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) resin as matrix, was investigated. The stress on the incorporated fibers in the composite under transverse load was monitored in situ and non-destructively using X-ray diffraction. The outer applied stress was found to be well transferred to the incorporated kenaf fibers through the PLLA matrix, which suggests a strong interaction between the fiber and the matrix. In addition, it was also revealed that a silane-coupling treatment to the kenaf fiber was effective for the improvement of interfacial adhesion.