Enhancing Mechanical Properties of PLA/Kevlar Fiber Composites with ZrO2 Nanorod Interface Modification for High-Performance Applications

The mechanical performance of composites made of Kevlar fibers and poly lactic acid (PLA) is currently severe constrained by weak interfacial characteristics, and their promise in the biomedical and automotive areas is promising. Growing zirconium oxide nanorods on commercially available Kevlar fabrics has proven to be an effective method for modifying the PLA/Kevlar fiber interface. Hierarchical fibers significantly increased the flexural strength and stiffness of PLA-based composites. ZrO2 nanorods play a significant role in enhancing tensile and flexural properties by promoting a compact trans-crystallinity structure through their mechanical interlocking action. In spite of the fact that the PLA matrix showed signs of degrading, the enhanced interfacial stress transfer had a net favorable effect. This study introduces a new method for optimizing biocomposites’ fiber–matrix interface for tough conditions.