Biodegradable packaging derived from Napier grass ﹕ mechanical properties

Jamel, Siti Nur Hidayah (2022) Biodegradable packaging derived from Napier grass ﹕ mechanical properties. Project Report. Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Melaka, Malaysia. (Submitted)

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Abstract

Biodegradable material has been a significant challenge. The present problem of excessive napier grass production has resulted in waste, as only a portion of napier grass is used for certain purposes. This is one of the reasons for the study's use of napier grass fiber (NGF). Among other biodegradable materials, thermoplastic cassava starch (TPCS) has been identified as a fully biodegradable substance that can be generated by a variety of plants and is one of the most abundant renewable, biodegradable, and cost-effective resources accessible. The purpose of this study is to develop biodegradable TPCS reinforced with beeswax and NGF as well as to investigate the thermal analysis, mechanical properties, and physical properties of the materials. TPCS, on the other hand, have several limitations, including poor mechanical characteristics. A novel material composed of TPCS reinforced with beeswax and NGF has been made. To strengthen the cassava starch biopolymer's shortcomings, beeswax and NGF were incorporated at different loadings i.e., 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% fiber content. The mixture was blended uniformly and the samples were formed using hot compression molding. The essential features of TPCS/NGF biopolymer composites were then evaluated to determine their suitability as biodegradable reinforcements. The finding shows that the tensile and flexural properties exhibit the same pattern of increasing strength and modulus, however, elongation exhibits a decreasing tendency. In terms of thermal properties, it was discovered that increasing the percentage of NGF in the TPCS matrix from 0% to 50% increased the thermal stability of the composites due to the fibers’ hydrophobic qualities. The FTIR analysis demonstrates the presence of chemical bonding in the samples, whilst the SEM micrograph of the tensile fracture surface demonstrates the composite's microstructure changing as the fiber content increases. As a conclusion, the study presented preliminary data on the of TPCS/NGF composites, particularly in packaging. As a result, this material can eventually be the alternative for the non-biodegradable bioplastic, allowing natural waste to be fully used.

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