Micromechanical Property Investigations of Poly(lactic acid)–Kenaf Fiber Biocomposites

In this research, investigation on the interfacial shear strength of poly(lactic acid)–kenaf fiber biocomposite was investigated using microbond tests. Tensile properties and fracture behaviors of single kenaf fiber are tested via in situ monitoring with acoustic emission (AE). During tensile loading, acoustic signal recorded higher amplitude of above 20 dB up to the maximum force, which corresponds to breakage of single kenaf fiber. Based on microbond tests and AE evaluation, a correlation has been established on failure of kenaf fiber, which is due to debonding of filament and internal structure, cracking of fiber and breakage of fiber.