Characterization of Cassava Starch Films Strengthened with Glass Particulate Composite

Abstract

Characterization of cassava starch films strengthened with glass particulate composite was investigated in this study. Glass particulate starch composites was produced using solution casting process with weight percentage (wt.%) of the reinforcement phase ranging from 0% to 20% at 5wt.% interval. The mechanical and physical properties were determined out by standard methods. Themicrostructural analysis of the produced composites was carried out using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The density of the composites increased as the reinforcement content increases,the water absorption decreased as the reinforcement content increases. The SEM analysis showed good adhesion between the starch matrix and the reinforcement, the hardness of the bio-composites improved generally over the unreinforced starch and the biodegradibility of the thermoplastic polymer (starch) degrades faster when compared with the bio-composites.The development of the bio-composite will contribute to knowledge; helps convert waste to wealth and reduce environmental pollution. The bio-composite produced has light weight and can be used in food packaging applications.