Grafting of poly(ε‐caprolactone) from Abaca cellulose fibers via <scp>ring‐opening</scp> polymerization resulting in facile one‐pot biocomposites

Abstract As efforts to replace nonsustainable plastics increase, biocomposites from cellulose fibers and biodegradable polymers like poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) are promising candidates. The necessary adhesion between matrix can be achieved by grafting polymeric chains onto the fibers. Herein, we report of PCL Abaca (AFs), a one‐pot method obtain composite containing grafted fiber free PCL, characterization prepared films. Three parameters for pretreatment (disintegration, drying, solvent exchange) AF were compared. Short long with molecular weights below close chain entanglement weight AFs. Using benzyl alcohol as an additional initiator, was simultaneously prepared. unreacted monomer removed precipitation in water, resulting ready‐made composites. PCL‐grafted AFs further processed combination compounding hot‐pressing. analyzed mechanical (tensile) rheological properties show large dependence on lengths grafts. herein‐reported composites pave way interesting bio‐based alternatives plastic, especially looking at tailoring material properties.