Biodegradable packaging from cassava starch and corn husk fibre : Environment properties

Azhar, Nur Syazwani (2024) Biodegradable packaging from cassava starch and corn husk fibre : Environment properties. Project Report. Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Melaka, Malaysia. (Submitted)

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Abstract

Continuous use of non-biodegradable plastic packaging has led to environmental pollution. Increase awareness on the environmental issues linked to conventional plastics has led to extensive research of biodegradable material alternatives. In addition, thermoplastics are biodegradable, presenting a significant advantage over traditional non-biodegradable synthetic polymers. Thermoplastic starch polymers (TPS) have now been the subject of intensive research for use in packaging materials with several formulations including bio fillers or fibres to reinforce bio-based plastics, they are also developed from various natural sources that are biodegradable and compostable Besides, corn husk fibres, as a renewable and sustainable resource in thermoplastic composites, decrease dependence on non-renewable resources and advance the development of eco-friendly materials. Therefore, in this study, corn husk fibre (CHF) was incorporated into TPCS using compression moulding. Then the properties of CHF/TPCS biopolymer composites were investigated to evaluate their potential as a biodegradable reinforcement. The objective of this study is to investigate the possibilities of utilizing these materials for eco-friendly packaging solutions. This study was carried out by preparing thermoplastic cassava starch/palm wax blends incorporated with corn husk fibre (TCPS/PW/CHF) bio-composites at different CHF concentrations of 0 to 40 wt%. A composite material was formed by blending corn husk fibre, cassava starch, glycerol, and palm wax. The fabrication process involved hot compression moulding at 155 °C for 50 minutes. Several testing has been conducted to investigate the effects of corn husk fibre on environmental properties of the materials such as water affinity testing, environmental analysis, physical analysis and other testing. As the results, an increasing the addition of corn husk fibre from 0 to 40 wt. % resulted in a decrease in moisture content from 24% to 15%. Besides, result for density, its showed that decrease lowest value at 0.356 g/cm3. Next, for water solubility slightly decreased from 41% to 29% as an increasing the addition of corn husk fibre at 40 wt. %. In addition, an increase in water absorption for 30 minutes from 43% to 25% and for 2 hours from 73% to 56% as water is absorbed. Moreover, for thickness swelling as increase the addition of corn husk fibre, the value showed for 30 minutes 22% to 7% and for 2 hours from 41% to 23% as water is absorbed. Furthermore, increased weight losses during soil burial were observed, decreasing from 52% to 29.6% for 4 weeks and from 81.7% to 67.7% for 8 weeks, indicating accelerated biodegradation over an extended period. The SEM analysis confirmed heightened micro voids, fibre breakage, and positive adhesion, consistent with outcomes from water affinity testing, environmental analysis, and physical analysis. In conclusion, the thermoplastic cassava starch reinforced corn husk fibre composite showed great potential as good material for biodegradable products, particularly disposable packaging trays.

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