Effect Of Thermoplastics Cornstarch Composite Blend With Agar On Mechanical, Physical And Environment Behavior

Mokti, Nur Zaakhir (2019) Effect Of Thermoplastics Cornstarch Composite Blend With Agar On Mechanical, Physical And Environment Behavior. Project Report. UTeM, Melaka, Malaysia. (Submitted)

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Abstract

The aim of this research is to study the effect of agar blended with thermoplastics cornstarch (TPCS). The blended of TPCS/Agar were prepared by incorporation of Agar into TPCS in the range of 0 to 40 (wt%). Among the many types of materials available, agar has been selected in this study because the capable of forming strong gels characterized by melting points well above the initial gelation temperature. Agar also could improve the starch properties such as increased elongation and tensile strength, water permeability, reduced solubility and heat resistance. The mixture was melt-mixed and then used the hot pressed at 165°C for 15 min. The sample TPCS/Agar composites will undergo 5 different tests, which are mechanical testing, physical testing, environment testing, thermogravimetric analysis testing, and scanning electron microscopy testing. The effect of different ratios of TPCS/Agar were also studied. Results from mechanical test showed that incorporation of agar has slightly decreased the tensile strength and impact strength. However, flexural test of TPCS/Agar composites has shown an increase with incorporation of 20 (wt%) agar. Results for the physical test showed that incorporation of agar has slightly increased the water absorption and moisture absorption. Moisture content has showed slightly decrease. Slight increment in density measurement was observed for TPCS after incorporation with agar at 20 (wt%). Water solubility and soil solubility of TPCS was slightly increased with incorporation at 40 (wt%) agar. Thermogravimetric (TGA) testing was conducted on all sample at temperature range of 40 to 500°C. The result show that the storage modulus of all sample decreased gradually with increase in temperature. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of composite at 40 (wt%) content of agar showed a compact and homogeneous structure. In conclusion, the addition of agar has increased the microstructure of thermoplastic cornstarch also enhanced the polymer chain movement of the material at high temperature.

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