The decrease in tensile strength in the
composites can be attributed to the incompatibility of the
hydrophilic fibers and the hydrophobic polymer. However,
the tensile strength was increased from 57 to 68 MPa in
PLA 30%WS composites upon the addition of 5 phr PLA-g-
MA; matching that of the neat PLA (Figure 3) and showing
the effectiveness and strong influence of the compatibilizer,
PLA-g-MA.