Cooperation between Icma San Giorgio and Politecnico of Milan

Icma San Giorgio and the Giulio Natta polymeric materials division of Politecnico of Milan, have studied a processing technology for composites based on polylactic acid (PLA) reinforced with kenaf fibres. To this purpose, they have used a 25 mm diameter laboratory twin-screw co-rotating extruder. It is the smallest version of the MCM high torque series, specifically designed for research and development. Started in 2007, the project has developed using PLA polylactic acid derived from the recycling of food packaging and kenaf, a natural fibre with high strength, very similar to hemp, provided by Kefi (Kenaf Eco Fibers Italy). Through the compounding process, different products were obtained with variable percentages of kenaf (from 10 to 40%) and manufactured with different screw configurations and operating conditions. The samples, obtained by compression moulding, were analyzed and characterized in the laboratory of the University of Milan. The project is still developing in order to improve more and more the results.