A packaging material from a waste paper/sugar cane stalk composite: Preparation and properties

Abstract

Abstract A highly efficient method was developed to produce a new biocomposite (PF) from waste paper and sugar cane stalk (SF) using four types of adhesive: maleated poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVAM), natural rubber-graft-cassava starch (NC), modified cassava starch (SA) and a blend between the NC and SA (NS). The effects of adhesive type and concentration, and the SF contents on the properties of the composite were investigated. The impact strength of the PF formed with the PVAM, NC, SA and NS increased as adhesive concentration increased due to higher chemical interactions and varying the amount of adhesive, affected the hardness of the PF. Moreover, the swelling ratio in water of the PF decreased with increasing adhesive contents due to a higher chemical reaction between them. Increasing the SF content of the PF formed with all the adhesives, reduced their impact strength occurred due to poor adhesive between the SF and the adhesives. The swelling ratio of the PF was significantly improved by the addition of the SF due to its porosity. The density of the PF formed with the PVAM, NC and NS decreased as a function of the SF owing its porosity. The optimum adhesive for the PF composite was NS based on the mechanical strength, swelling ratio and morphology of the PF thus formed.