This observation is
important because the composites may help in creating
cheaper composites with superior tensile and flexural
properties than their uncompatibilized counterparts. The
observed improvement in strength was attributed to
the good interfacial adhesion between the PLA and WS in
the composites that were compatibilized with PLA-g-MA and
this was confirmed by SEM analysis. The conventional two
step process of preparingthe PLA-g-MA and the nusing it as a
compatibilizer was found to be a better way of making
composites than the one-pot method of directly combining
PLA, MA, WS, and initiator in the twin screw extruder to
make composites (reactive compatibilization).DMAanalysis
showed that the composites exhibited increased storage and
loss modulus. The peak of the tan d plotswas reduced in the
composites probably due to hindrance in mobility of the PLA
chains or increase in the crystallinity after the additionof the
WS fibers. Noenhancements in Tg and HDTwere observed in
the composites. The PLA-g-MA compatibilized composites
are interesting because they are renewable, sustainable and
have superior mechanical properties than neat PLA and
poly(propylene).