Comparative Analysis of Sodium Hydroxide, Silane and Acetylation Treated Luffa Cylindrica Enforced Polylactic Acid Bio-Composites

Various researchers have been concentrating on natural fibers and biodegradable polymers to fulfill the need of sustainable materials. The surface of Luffa Cylindrica (LC) was modified using sodium hydroxide, silane, and acetylation chemical surface treatments to enhance the compatibility of LC with Polylactic Acid. Mechanical testing, thermal analysis, FTIR, water uptake (%) and morphological analysis were performed on the chemically modified LC reinforced PLA bio-composite. Based on the experimental results, tensile, flexural strength and hardness was improved, water uptake (%) was reduced, and better thermal resistance was seen. Moreover, the morphological analysis (SEM) showed improved bonding between LC and PLA.