Interfacial Optimization of Lyocell Fabric/PLA with Silane Treatments

In order to improve the interfacial bonding with polylactic acid, Lyocell fabric’s surfaces were treated with various silanes. The silanes applied were aminoethylaminopropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane and 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, respectively. Silane was chosen since hydroxyl group (-OH) in silane always reacts with -OH in Lyocell fabric. As received fabric’s sizing was with a solution containing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), poly acrylic acid (PAA) and water at the ratio of 3 : 1 : 96. Highest peel test results was obtained with 3wt% silane concentration (3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane). Highest tensile strength was obtained with 2wt% silane concentration (3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane). Tensile tests were carried out before analyzing the fracture surface of the composites by scanning electron microscope. FT-IR run confirmed the silane on the surface of fabric.