Influence of processing methods and fiber length on physical properties of kenaf fiber reinforced soy based biocomposites

Biocomposites from kenaf fiber and soy based bioplastic were fabricated by extrusion, followed by injection or compression molding. The impact of fiber length and the processing method on the thermal and mechanical properties of the composites were characterized with dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and mechanical properties measurements. The morphology was studied with optical and electron microscopy. Compression molded specimens have a similar modulus to injection molded specimens at room temperature, but exhibit a higher heat deflection temperature (HDT) and notched Izod impact strength. The improved HDT and impact strength are derived from an increase in modulus at high temperature and fiber bridging effects, respectively. The modulus, impact strength and HDT of kenaf fiber reinforced soy based biocomposites increase with increases in fiber length, fiber content and fiber orientation. Through microscopy observations, it was found that the fractured fiber length on the impact fracture surface increased with increasing fiber length and fiber content. This indicates that the role of fiber bridging effects is predominant on impact strength of the biocomposites.