Epoxy coupling agent for PLA and PHB copolymer-based cotton fabric bio-composites

Epoxy coupling agent was deposited on cotton fabric used for the manufacture of film stacked composites based on poly(lactic acid) (PLA) or poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHB copolymer) matrices. The additive confined on the fabric surface allowed it to be reactive in the heating stage of the composite production right at the interface between fibres and matrix. The resulting composites were tensile tested comparing the data with the neat matrices and the composites with untreated fabric. A discussion to explain the mechanical results taking in consideration the density, porosity and crystallinity as well as exploiting some micro-mechanical models is presented. The ability of the additive to increase the adhesion between cotton and both matrices is verified and is essential to lighten the structures and to reach application requirements.