Abstract
AbstractDespite the growing interest in utilizing starch‐based biodegradable films, their low mechanical properties generally limit them from being widely used. On the other hand, brewer's spent grain (BSG) is an abundant by‐product that does not yet have high added‐value industrial use. This study proposes the development of starch‐based composites filled with BSG for applications in biodegradable films. Different contents (1–5 wt%) of BSG fibers of different sizes (35, 60, and 100 mesh) were used aiming to identify the film compositions with better mechanical and thermal properties. The composites were produced by casting and had their mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties evaluated. The composites with the most promising mechanical properties contained 2.5 wt% BSG with 35 mesh and 1 wt% BSG with 100 mesh. Lower amounts of smaller BSG fibers resulted in balanced mechanical properties because of their higher surface area‐to‐volume ratio and higher aspect ratio. Results revealed that incorporating BSG may slightly improve the tensile strength and thermal stability of pure TPS, thus acting as a promising active filler due to the compatibility with the polymer matrix and increased polymer crystallinity. The developed films contribute to the circular economy and might be a promising low‐cost option for application in conventional packages or mulch films.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.