Preparation and characterization of bio-based green renewable composites from poly(lactic acid) reinforced with corn stover

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/corn stover (CS) composites were prepared by melt blending different proportions of PLA and added CS. PLA was grafted with acrylic acid to improve the compatibility of the matrix with CS. PLA-g-AA interacted well with CS, resulting in a denser composite material with relatively satisfactory hydrophobic properties. The barrier and mechanical properties of composites were studied, and it was found that the barrier and mechanical properties of PLA-g-AA/CS composite materials were significantly improved, especially those with 30 wt% CS provided better tensile properties and elongation at break. The structure at the tensile section of the composite material was observed using SEM. The proper amount of CS had better dispersion in the matrix, and PLA-g-AA could further improve the interfacial bonding force. The crystallization and thermal properties of the composites were analyzed using XRD, DSC, and TGA, and the effect of the CS content on the crystallinity of composites was also studied.