Investigation of Tensile Properties in Biodegradable Nanocomposites of Polylactic acid/Natural Rubber/Chitosan/Kenaf Fiber

Shorekandi, Habib; Refahati, NIMA; Nouri Niyaraki, Meysam

doi:10.22034/joae.2026.540432.1291

Investigation of Tensile Properties in Biodegradable Nanocomposites of Polylactic acid/Natural Rubber/Chitosan/Kenaf Fiber

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Habib Shorekandi ¹

NIMA Refahati ²

Meysam Nouri Niyaraki ³

¹ PhD Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Damavand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damavand, Iran

² Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Damavand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damavand, Iran

³ Assistant Professor, Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, Shahid Sattari University of Aeronautical Sciences and Technology, Tehran, Iran

10.22034/joae.2026.540432.1291

Abstract

This study experimentally investigated the effects of chitosan nanoparticles and kenaf fibers on the tensile strength and elongation at break of PLA/SMR20 polymer composites. The studied variables included 2-6 wt% chitosan nanoparticles, 5-15 wt% hemp fibers, and 10-30 wt% natural rubber (SMR20). The compound formulations were designed using Design-Expert software through response surface methodology (RSM) and mixed using an internal mixer. Tensile test specimens were then prepared using a hot press machine according to relevant standards. Tensile tests were conducted to determine the tensile strength and elongation at break of the samples. The results revealed that: Increasing chitosan nanoparticle content at lower concentrations (up to 4 wt%) enhanced tensile strength and elongation at break by 34% and 4%, respectively, while higher concentrations led to deterioration of mechanical properties. Kenaf fiber reinforcement improved tensile strength and elongation at break by 27% and 18%, respectively. Although natural rubber (SMR20) showed no positive effect on tensile strength, it significantly increased elongation at break by 43%.

Keywords

Nanocomposite

Biodegradable

Chitosan

Hemp fibers

Natural rubber

Subjects