Abstract
Thermoplastic starch is a potentially sustainable and biodegradable material. However, it possesses some limitations in terms of mechanical performance and high moisture sensitivity. In this current work, the characteristics of thermoplastic cassava starch (TPCS) containing palm wax at various loading were evaluated. TPCS was prepared via hot pressing by varying the ratios of palm wax (2.5, 5, 10, and 15 wt%). Next, characterization via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), mechanical, water solubility, thickness swelling and moisture absorption tests, were conducted on the samples. The findings showed that incorporating starch-based thermoplastics with palm wax has remarkably improved mechanical characteristics of the thermoplastic blends. Besides, the morphology of the samples demonstrated irregular and rougher cleavage fracture after palm wax addition. FT-IR indicated the existence of intermolecular interaction between TPCS and palm wax with the intermolecular hydrogen bonds that existed between them. The thermal stability of TPCS has improved with rising palm wax content. The incorporation of 15 wt% palm wax resulted in the lowest moisture absorption value among the samples. Overall, the developed TPCS/palm wax with improved mechanical and moisture resistance characteristics has the potential to be used as biodegradable materials.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
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.
