The investigation focused on the properties of composite foam obtained by a compression molding method. The results could clarify the interaction among PLA, silica nanoparticles and coconut fiber. The compressive properties, including the compressive force and modulus of composites, contained in coconut fiber were improved. The incorporation of silica nanoparticles was able to modify the compressive properties slightly, whereas the thermal properties were decreased explicitly. Hydrogen bonding between the carboxylic group of PLA and the silica bonded group affected the increment in mechanical properties of composites. However, the incorporation of coconut fibers in composites exhibited a rougher surface. In addition, beneficial distribution of silica nanoparticles and porosity in the nanocomposite foam, equivalent to neat PLA foam, could be obtained.
