Cassava bagasse as a reinforcement agent in the polymeric blend of biodegradable films

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe objective of this work was to develop biodegradable films using fibrous residue from the extraction of cassava starch and to investigate its effect as a reinforcement agent in polymeric films. Micrographs (SEM) showed that the obtained films presented smooth surfaces with no cracking. The addition of fibers affected the properties of the films significantly (p < 0.05), reducing water vapor permeability values (from 8.63 ± 0.15 × 10−11 g.m.m−2.s−1.Pa−1 to 3.33 ± 0.16 × 10−11 g.m.m−2.s−1.Pa−1) and increasing the maximum tensile strength (from 1.23 ± 0.15 MPa to 7.78 ± 0.83 MPa). These results encourage the use of cassava bagasse as a reinforcement in the production of green composites as packaging. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47224.