2.2 Sample preparation
Although PLA pellets and BC particle are hydrophobic. they are sensitive to moisture [41-45]. Therefore, BC particles and PLA pellets were mixed and dried in a chamber of a Mini hot air Moretto dryer at 70C for 24 h in order to minimise excessive moisture content prior to the extrusion. Subsequently, different mixtures of particles and PLA pellets were blended by Axon Pacific Pty Ltd single screw extruder. The BC/PLA mixtures contained BC