Abstract
The effect of polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose microfibers (CEL), and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) on the equilibrium moisture content (EMC), density and flexural mechanical properties of starch-based bio-foams was studied using a full factorial design 23. Also, a moisture aging study was carried out. The results show the three factors studied changed the bio-foams morphology, contribute to density increment, enhance dimensional stability and improve both the moisture resistance and the mechanical flexural properties. The moisture aging studies show that, although the flexural mechanical properties decrease with increasing humidity, the bio-foams exceed the mechanical properties of commercial expanded polystyrene (EPS) trays. These findings suggest the bio-composites could be used in regions where the humidity conditions are moderate to very humid, guaranteeing their dimensional stability and functional properties. Thus, these new bio-foams are an attractive and sustainable option to replace the non-biodegradable EPS commercial trays.
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