Enhancing natural fiber-reinforced biopolymer composites with graphene nanoplatelets: Mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties

Abstract Many researchers have focused on developing eco-sustainable materials in response to the environmental concerns associated with the use of synthetic polymers, such as natural fiber-reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) composites. In this study, short bamboo and kenaf fibers were employed to reinforce PLA composites. However, using these short natural fibers resulted in composites with inadequate characteristics. Therefore, this research examined the effects of incorporating a small quantity of graphene nanoplatelets into bamboo/kenaf fibers-reinforced PLA hybrid composites enhanced their poor characteristics. The research revealed that incorporating a small quantity of graphene nanoplatelets into composites enhanced their strength, with tensile strength of 41.86 MPa (1 GBK), flexural strength of 71.6712 MPa (0.25 GBK), impact strength of 3.63 kJ/m 2 (1 GBK), and hardness of 86.80 HD. Furthermore, the morphology demonstrates that graphene nanoplatelets are successfully dispersed in composites. Also, the dynamic mechanical investigation of the composites demonstrates that the use of graphene nanoplatelets resulted in a significant rise in the composites’ storage modulus. Additionally, incorporating a small quantity of graphene nanoplatelets to the composites improves thermal stability, as seen by the highest degradation temperature of 330°C for 0.75GBK. The study aims to discover simple, low-cost ways to overcome the composite’s inadequate properties, enabling them to be used in a wider variety of applications.