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In this study, we utilized a hybridization approach for two different fibers to overcome the drawbacks of single-fiber-reinforced PLA composites. Coir fiber and bamboo leaf fiber were used as reinforcing natural fibers as their properties complement one another. Additionally, we combined thermal annealing with hybridization techniques to further improve the overall properties of the composites. The results showed that the hybridization of BF: CF with a ratio of 1:2 gave PLA-based hybrid composites optimal mechanical and thermal properties. Furthermore, the improvement in the thermal stability of hybrid composites, attributable to an increase in crystallinity, was a result of thermal annealing. The improvement in HDT in annealed 1BF:2CF hybrid composite was about 13.76% higher than that of the neat PLA. Annealing of the composites led to increased crystallinity, which was confirmed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The synergistic effect of hybridization and annealing, leading to the improvement in the thermal properties, opened up the possibilities for the use of PLA-based composites. In this study, we demonstrated that a combined technique can be utilized as a strategy for improving the properties of 100% biocomposites and help overcome some limitations of the use of PLA in many applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present investigation, the effects of fiber content (20, 30 and 40 wt%) and annealing heat treatment on the thermal properties of the biocomposite material formed by an isotactic polypropylene polymeric matrix (iPP) reinforced with short bamboo fibers (PP/BF) were studied. The coupling agent was iPP with grafting of maleic anhydride molecules (MAPP). The Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) technique was used to determine the melting temperature (Tm), crystallization temperature (Tc), and degree of crystallinity (Xc) of the biocomposites. The melting temperature of pure PP was not significantly affected by the presence of bamboo fibers. However, the degree of crystallinity of PP increased with fiber content. The annealing heat treatment caused an increase in the Tm of pure PP and PP/BF. The composite with 20 wt% fiber content (PP/20F) annealed achieved the highest Xc (37,47 %). The Tc of polypropylene increased with the presence of fibers, and the PP/20F composite reached the highest value (115 °C). Also, the study of the Tm of the biocomposites in amorphous state was carried out, and it was observed that the sample with a fiber content of 30 wt% presented an endothermic peak at a temperature of approximately 168 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]