Surface treated bagasse fiber ash on rheological, mechanical properties of PLA/BFA biocomposites

Abstract The use of silica based bagasse fiber ash (BFA) as a reinforcing filler in polylactic acid (PLA) biocomposites was examined. The effects of surface-treated BFA on the rheological, swelling behavior, and mechanical properties and water absorption of biocomposites were studied. BFA was treated using a silane coupling agent (Bis-[3-(triethoxysilyl)-propy]-tetrasulfide). Composites with BFA were varied from 5 to 25wt.%. The PLA/BFA composite melts were pseudoplastic non -Newtonion fluid and exhibited a shear thinning behavior. The viscosity of the surface-treated BFA biocomposites was hi...