Effect of Oxidized Wood Pulp Fibers on the Performance of the Thermoplastic Corn Starch Composites

Peng Yin,Wen Zhou,Yanan Huang,Xin Dong,Bin Guo

doi:10.1155/2020/8976713

Peng Yin, Wen Zhou + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/8976713

Copy DOI

Abstract

In this study, oxidized wood pulp fiber (OWPF) was prepared by oxidizing wood pulp fiber (WPF) with NaIO4, and OWPFs with different oxidation degrees were obtained and characterized by light microscope, XRD, and TG. Then, OWPFs with different oxidation degrees were incorporated into thermoplastic starch (TPS) to prepare OWPF/TPS composites. The cross-section morphology, water resistance, and physical and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. SEM showed good dispersion of OWPF in the continuous TPS phase. The tensile strength of OWPF/TPS reached a maximum value of 5.02 MPa when the oxidation degree of OWPF was 0.5. Elongation at break of OWPF/TPS composites increased with the increasing oxidation degree of OWPF. Meanwhile, as a result of cross-linking, the water contact angle was also improved with the increased oxidation degree of OWPF. The study provided a new way to prepare a degradable TPS composite with satisfying properties to be used for packaging and catering.

Highlights

In recent years, great attention has been paid to thermoplastic starch (TPS), which is considered as the most promising biodegradable plastic due to its low-cost, ample supply of starch from renewable sources, and totally degradable properties [1]
The increased oxidization of wood pulp fiber (WPF) decreased its aspect ratio, and the tensile strength of oxidized wood pulp fiber (OWPF)/TPS composites reached a maximum (5.02 MPa) when the oxidation degree of OWPF was 0.25; a higher oxidation degree of OWPF resulted in a smaller OWPF size and a decreased tensile strength of composites
The elongation at break of WPF/TPS composites increased with the increased oxidation degree of OWPF

Summary

Introduction

Great attention has been paid to thermoplastic starch (TPS), which is considered as the most promising biodegradable plastic due to its low-cost, ample supply of starch from renewable sources, and totally degradable properties [1]. Results showed that the property improvement depends on several factors such as adding dosage, aspect ratio, and dispersion condition of the fibers. Among these factors, dosage of the fibers is a main factor which often affects the mechanical properties of TPS. In Zhou et al.’s [16] study, nanocellulose fibers modified by oxidation showed excellent dispersion in a PVA matrix, resulting in superior tensile modulus and strength of the composites. The effects of different oxidation degrees of OWPF on the properties of WPF and the morphology, mechanical properties, thermal properties, and surface wettability of OWPF/TPS composites were investigated in detail

Materials and Methods

Characterization of OWPF

Conclusions

Conflicts of Interest