Research Articles

The increasing demand for sustainable and high-performance materials has prompted research into biocomposites as eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastics. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), which is widely used, often lacks the mechanical and thermal stability required for advanced applications. This limitation can be overcome by reinforcing PLA with microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), a renewable and abundant resource. While existing PLA composites have shown promise, the uniform dispersion and interfacial bonding of reinforcements remain challenges. To bridge this gap, an optimal 80:20 wt% PLA/MCC ratio was identified and processed into filament using a single-screw extruder, followed by 3D printing via fused filament fabrication (FFF). The composite’s properties were evaluated through mechanical, thermal, and morphological analyses. Results revealed significant enhancements: tensile strength increased by 30%, flexural strength by 22.3%, impact strength by 78.9%, and compressive strength by 21.3%, compared to neat PLA. Thermogravimetric analysis showed improved thermal stability, with reduced weight loss at elevated temperatures. This research demonstrates that the integration of MCC into PLA not only improves mechanical and thermal properties but also offers an environmentally sustainable solution for engineering applications. The findings highlight the potential of PLA/MCC composites for industries requiring lightweight, durable, and eco-conscious materials, including automotive and biomedical sectors.

Bamboo is a versatile, sustainable resource used in industries such as construction, furniture, textiles, and paper. Its species vary in properties, influencing their suitability for specific applications. This research aimed to perform a comparative analysis of the fiber characteristics and chemical properties of Indonesian bamboo species from the genera Gigantochloa, Schizostachyum, and Bambusa. Pearson’s correlation analysis was performed to quantify associations among fiber characteristics, chemical composition, and mechanical performance. The results indicated that Bambusa presented the greatest fiber density, whereas Gigantochloa presented superior fiber dimensions, and Schizostachyum presented intermediate values. The mechanical properties of the fibers were inversely related to density. Bambusa showed the highest fiber dimensions, followed by Schizostachyum, whereas Gigantochloa presented the lowest scores, with the exception of the flexibility ratio. All the species, notwithstanding their variation, satisfied the criteria for fiber quality class II. The Bambusa species presented the highest contents of holocellulose, α-cellulose, and hemicellulose, followed by Gigantochloa and Schizostachyum. The highest concentration of starch was found in Schizostachyum, followed by Gigantochloa, and then Bambusa. Notably, G. serik, S. brachycladum, and B. blumeana have demonstrated considerable potential for pulp and paper applications, similar to traditional pulpwood species.