Biocomposite fabrication from pilot-scale steam-exploded coconut fiber and PLA/PBS with mechanical and thermal characterizations

Biodegradable fiber-reinforced biocomposites from steam-exploded coconut fibers and polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene succinate (PBS) plastic were developed in this study. Biocomposite filaments and samples were produced using a commercial-scale screw extruder and a 3D printer, respectively. In-depth mechanical and thermal analyses were also performed. The results showed that the tensile strengths of PLA mixed with 3% coconut fiber (PLA97/F3) and 6% coconut fiber (PLA94/F6) decreased by approximately 22% and 23%, respectively, compared to the 64% reduction of that of the original PLA after four-week storage. The bending modulus of the PLA/fiber composite was better than that of the original PLA (21–29% higher), whereas a 5–8% improvement was observed for the PLA/PBS/fiber composites. The impact strengths of PLA97/F3 and PLA77/PBS20/F3 were approximately 8.5% and 7.4% higher than those of the original PLA and PLA/PBS, respectively. During the degradation test, both PLA97/F3 and PLA77/PBS20/F3 exhibited higher tensile strengths than the original materials. Finally, this research presents encouraging results for the production of biodegradable fiber-reinforced biocomposites that are applicable to 3D printing platforms. The final products can be used as replacement or aftermarket components of automobiles.