An Investigation and Characterization of Monkeypod Tree Flower Particulates Filled PLA Composites
Abstract Samanea saman (SS) flower particulates were filled in Polylactic acid (PLA) composites were fabricated with different 0, 10, and 20 wt. % through the injection molding process. The elemental composition and morphology of SS PLA composites were studied through FESEM and Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis. Thermal stability of the SS PLA composites specimens was carried out through Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC). Crystal orientations studied through X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) showed the presence of the orthorhombic SS particulates. The properties of the composites were investigated such as tensile strength, compressive strength, flexural strength, and Shore D Hardness. It was found that 20 wt. % of SS filled PLA composites has a superior tensile strength of 43.76 MPa, the compression strength of 37.94 MPa, the flexural strength of 72.47 MPa, and Shore D Hardness of 80.1 SHN than pure PLA. SS particulates-filled PLA composites would be used for low-strength applications.