The Importance of Coupling Agent on Tensile and Thermomechanical Performance of Annealed Composites Based on Poly(Lactic Acid)/Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Matrix and Sisal Fiber Bundles

Abstract

The main aim of this work is to study the importance of the coupling agent on tensile and thermomechanical performance of annealed composites based on poly (lactic acid)/poly (methyl methacrylate) matrix and sisal fiber bundles. As coupling agent poly (styrene-co-glycidyl methacrylate) copolymer was used. Results obtained in the current study suggested that the presence of the copolymer is crucial to form a strong adhesion between the fibers and polymeric matrix and consequently to improve both thermomechanical performance and tensile properties after annealing process. It must highlight that the estimated heat deflection temperature (HDT) of annealed composite with 40 wt% of fiber increased around 40 ºC respect to respect to commercial neat PLA.