Application of Corn Fibers from Harvest Residues in Biocomposite Films

Abstract

Agro-industrial residues are difficult to dispose of or reuse; however, it can be used to generate goods such as biodegradable packaging. The aim was to isolate and characterize fibers from corn stalks, husks, and cobs, and apply them in starch composite films (control, 5 g 100 g−1, 10 g 100 g−1, 15 g 100 g−1 and 20 g 100 g−1). The cellulose fibers were isolated by alkaline treatment and characterized by its morphology, crystallinity, and chemical structure, showing materials with different lengths and diameters, and intermediate crystallinity. The composite films were evaluated by morphological characteristics, water-solubility, water vapor permeability, chemical structure, mechanical properties, and sorption isotherms. Generally, fibers reinforcement decreased moisture adsorption. The tensile strength and Young's modulus increased adding straw fiber (5 g 100 g−1 and 10 g 100 g−1) and stalk and cob fibers (5 g 100 g−1). The use of cellulose fibers in films is important to expand and improve the current lack of biodegradable packaging.