The structural, thermal, mechanical, and biodegradable properties of composite materials made from polylactide (PLA) and
agricultural residues (arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) fibre, AF) were evaluated. Melt blended glycidyl methacrylategrafted
polylactide (PLA-g-GMA) and coupling agent-treated arrowroot fibre (TAF) formed the PLA-g-GMA/TAF composite,
which had better properties than the PLA/AF composite. The water resistance of the PLA-g-GMA/TAF composite
was greater than that of the PLA/AF composite; the release of PLA in water from the PLA/AF and PLA-g-GMA/TAF
composites indicated good biological activity. The PLA-g-GMA/TAF material had better mechanical properties than PLA/
AF. This behaviour was attributed to better compatibility between the grafted polymer and TAF. The results indicated that
the Tg
of PLA was increased by the addition of fibre, which may have improved the heat resistance of PLA. Furthermore,
the mass losses following burial in soil compost indicated that both materials were biodegradable, especially at high levels
of AF or TAF substitution.

EB00000003691K

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• Enhanced Interfacial Adhesion and Characterisation of Recycled Natural Fibre-Filled Biodegradable Green Composites