Fabrication and Testing of Biodegradable PLA Composites Reinforced with Natural Fibers

Abstract

Biodegradable hybrid composites are becoming a more environmentally friendly choice for lightweight uses than traditional materials. This study developed a high-performance composite by reinforcing a bio-epoxy matrix modified with PLA with pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) and kenaf fiber. The hybridization combines the stiffness of PALF with the toughness of kenaf, which makes the overall mechanical behavior better. We made laminates by hand-laying them up and then tested them for important mechanical properties. The new composite has better strength-to-weight properties, which makes it good for structural uses like machine panels and industrial parts. These results show that hybrid composites made from natural fibers could be good for the environment and useful in engineering.

Introduction

Conventional composites like glass and carbon fiber materials are strong but are non-biodegradable and environmentally damaging. To address this, the study uses bio-based materials such as a bio-epoxy resin matrix, polylactic acid (PLA), and natural fibers—pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) and kenaf fiber—to create a sustainable hybrid composite. The combination of these fibers aims to balance stiffness, toughness, and lightweight performance while reducing environmental impact.

Key points:

Materials:

• Bio-epoxy resin (matrix)
• PLA (biodegradable additive)
• PALF and kenaf fibers (reinforcements)

Methodology:

• Composite fabricated using hand lay-up method
• Fibers cleaned, dried, and alkali-treated to improve bonding
• Resin mixed with PLA and applied over fiber layers
• Laminates cured under ambient conditions and cut into test specimens

Fabrication process:

• Fiber preparation includes cleaning and chemical treatment (NaOH) to improve strength and adhesion
• Mould prepared with wax coating to ensure easy removal
• Fibers arranged in layers and impregnated with resin mixture
• Compression applied to remove air gaps and strengthen bonding

Testing:

• Tensile testing conducted using ASTM D3039 standard on a universal testing machine to evaluate mechanical strength

Conclusion

A biodegradable hybrid composite reinforced with PALF and kenaf fibers using a PLA-modified bio-epoxy matrix was successfully developed through the hand lay-up process. The fabricated laminates exhibited good structural integrity and consistent quality. Mechanical evaluation confirmed that the optimized composition demonstrated superior performance in terms of strength, stiffness, impact resistance, and hardness, attributed to effective fiber distribution and strong interfacial bonding. The composite also showed a favorable strength-to-weight ratio, making it suitable for lightweight structural applications such as machine panels and industrial components. The use of natural fibers and biodegradable materials enhances environmental sustainability. Overall, the study highlights the potential of hybrid natural fiber composites as efficient and eco-friendly alternatives to conventional synthetic materials, with scope for further optimization and broader engineering applications.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Rahan Rashid P, Abdul Rafih Muthu PC, Fawad VK, Nishvan K, Associate Prof. Sajan C. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.