The Characterization of Mechanical Properties of Jute/PLA Composites with Modified Nano Sio2 by Coupling Agent

Abstract Although fibers-reinforced PLA composites show strong application prospects, their low mechanical properties limit their applications to some extent. In this paper, nano-SiO2 particles as well as modified nano SiO2 by coupling agents which can efficiently improve the strength and toughness of composite materials are introduced into the PLA matrix. The bending, stretching and thermal properties of designed jute/PLA nonwoven composites were studied. The study shows that the nano-SiO2 particles are beneficial for the interface performance between the PLA matrix and jute leading to improvement in the mechanical property and thermal stability. Moreover, thermomechanical properties indicate that the addition of SiO2 can improve the jute/PLA interfacial adhesion and increase the glass transition temperature of the material. Finally, toughening mechanism of nano-SiO2 particles in the jute/PLA composite was analyzed.