Epoxy coupling agent was deposed on cotton fabric used for the formation of film stacked composites based on poly(lactic acid) (PLA) or a poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHB) matrices. The additive confining on the fabric surfaces allows it to be reactive in the heating stage of the composite formation exactly at the interface position. The resulting composites were tested in tension configuration 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-mechanic models was presented. The ability of the additive to increase the adhesion between cotton and both matrices is verified and is essential to light the structures or reach application requirements.

Peer Reviewed