Analysis of the effect of boric acid and compatibilizer addition to polylactic acid/basalt fiber composites

Abstract

The objective of this study is to improve the properties of polylactic acid (PLA), a biopolymer produced from renewable resources, without compromising its environmentally friendly “natural composite” properties. The aim was to expand the application range of PLA by making it suitable for the production of high performance composites. With this in mind, it was decided to use inorganic and environmentally friendly materials such as basalt fiber (BF) and boric acid (BA) as reinforcements. Adhesive wear and tensile tests were used to investigate the tribological and mechanical performance of the composites. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dimensional stability analysis (DSA) methods were used to investigate the thermal properties. Scanning electron microscopy analysis was also used to investigate the morphological properties of the samples. In addition, a matrix modification process using Joncryl®, an epoxy‐based chain extender chemical, was applied to enhance the interfacial interaction between the composite components and improve the composite properties by improving the dispersion of reinforcing materials. As a result of the characterization tests, it was observed that a significant improvement in the properties of the material type containing 10 wt% BF, 0.25 wt% BA and 2 wt% Joncryl® was achieved. A 19% increase in tensile strength of this type of material was observed compared with unreinforced PLA, while the sharp peak increase in the coefficient of friction (COF) curve was shifted from 20 m to 60 m. As a result, it has been presented that environmentally friendly and inorganic materials such as BF and BA can be used to produce composite materials that will serve sectors where the need and use of high performance materials is intense, especially in the automotive, aerospace and aviation sectors.Highlights The properties of PLA matrix composites were improved by the simultaneous use of BF and BA and the addition of Joncryl®. The structural properties of PLA, an environmentally friendly polymer, have been improved without compromising this characteristic. PLA matrix natural composites with performance that can be used in the automotive, aerospace and aviation sectors have been developed.