Biodegradable packaging from Napier grass﹕ environment properties

Ibrahim, Siti Alyaa’ Asyikin (2022) Biodegradable packaging from Napier grass﹕ environment properties. Project Report. Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Melaka, Malaysia. (Submitted)

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Abstract

Recent years have seen an increase in the need for eco - friendly products as a result of the accumulation of non-biodegradable waste, especially disposable products. As a result, several environmentally friendly materials have been established to solve this problem. Biopolymer developed from renewable resources has the potential to be a viable alternative to petroleum-based polymers due to its high biodegradability and consequently environmental friendliness. Among other biodegradable materials, cassava starch biopolymer 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 costeffective resources accessible. Due to widespread concern about environmental pollution, thermoplastic cassava starch is now widely study in packaging materials, with some formulations including bio-fillers or fiber to strengthen the bio-based plastic. As a consequence, Napier grass fiber is employed to reinforce a bio-based composite. Napier grass is regarded for its high yield, and resistance to insects. Additionally, this tropical perennial grass has a significant fiber reserve as a result of vegetative regeneration after stem removal. Numerous early studies on the characteristics and properties of Napier grass have been published; nevertheless, a comprehensive and in-depth examination of this tropical grass's use as a non-wood packaging replacement is nearly unknown. The aim of this study is to develop biodegradable thermoplastic cassava starch reinforced with Napier grass fiber, in order to investigate its water affinity properties, morphology, density, and environmental properties. To strengthen the cassava starch biopolymer's shortcomings, biocomposites has been developed by incorporating 0,10,20,30,40, and 50wt% of Napier grass fiber into thermoplastic cassava starch matrix. All components were mixed uniformly, and the components were formed utilizing hot compression molding. The functional properties of TPCS/NGF biopolymer composites were then evaluated to determine their suitability as biodegradable materials. The 50% of fiber has the lowest moisture content. Water absorption showed that when fiber content is increased, then the water absorbed is decreased. Water solubility testing demonstrates a decrease in weight loss when fiber content is increased. For soil burial tests, all samples were decreases as the fiber content increases. The FTIR spectrum indicates the presence of chemical bonding between fiber and matrix, whilst the SEM micrograph indicates a change in the structure of the composite as the fiber concentration increases. In general, the present study's results indicated that TPCS/NGF has the ability to significantly enhance the composite's qualities. To summarize, TPCS/NGF may be a viable alternative material for biodegradable products, such as disposable packaging trays with increased features.

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