Effect of gamma irradiation on mechanical properties of poly (lactic) acid–luffa fiber composites

Modification of surface of natural fiber by gamma irradiation is an effective and economical technique and of viable interests in the terrain of biocomposites. The response  of doses (0.5 Gy,1Gy and 2 Gy)  of gamma irradiation of 6MV energy   on the structural, tensile and  flexural   properties of composites using poly lactic acid (PLA) and fibers of luffa cylindrical (LC)  is studied. Preliminary results suggests promising mechanical properties. After reinforcement of irradiated LC fiber, the tensile strength and flexural strength   of the virgin PLA matrix increases by 60% and 155% respectively. The E-modulus of the composites are also heightened with addition of irradiated fiber  up to the limit of 1 Gy of irradiation dose and then decreases with higher dose of irradiation. Furthermore  the  tensile strength and flexural strength of the composites increases with incorporation of very low content of LC fiber up to 2wt% and decreases with higher loading of fibers (5wt% and 10wt%). Modulus of composites is enhanced with increase in wt of fiber content in the composites. Moreover beefore reinforcement the LC fibers are modified with Ca salts in order to explore the use of these composites in biomedical territory. Copyright © 2018 VBRI Press.