Abstract: Completely biodegradable jute fiber reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) composites were fabricated by compression molding in one step. Alkali treatment was conducted to improve material performance. The surface morphology of jute fabrics was observed by scanning electron microscope. The 0°/90° uni-axial tensile test and ±45° bias-tensile test were conducted for jute woven fabrics. The 0°/90° uni-axial tensile test was also performed for jute/PLA biocomposites. The surface morphology of jute fabrics demonstrated that alkali treatment leads to the removal of surface impurities of fabrics, the refinement of fiber structures and the emergence of rougher fiber surface. The results of the tensile tests showed that the strengths of jute fabrics and jute/PLA composites decline after alkali treatment while the moduli increase. And the experimental results also indicated that compared with woven jute fabrics, the mechanical properties of composites were greatly improved via adding PLA. Meanwhile, compared to jute fiber reinforced polypropylene composites, jute/PLA composites are completely degradable, non-toxic and harmless, and they have greater strength and modulus.

Key words: jute fabrics; polylactic acid (PLA); composites; mechanical properties; alkali treatment; biodegradable