Factor analysis for stiffness and strength of fully biogenic and biodegradable jute-soy protein composites

Abstract

Harmless chemicals, such as water, glycerin, or sodium lauryl sulfate, have long been used to produce soy protein-jute fiber composites for a wide range of applications. In addition to a variety of natural binders, soy protein concentrates in particular are low-cost byproducts of soybean processing and are abundant. These renewable raw materials have been extensively studied to develop biodegradable composites. In most approaches to composite development, the soy protein is chemically modified, resulting in higher production costs and lower sustainability of the composites. In this work, the influence of important parameters on the mechanical properties of jute fabric - soy protein matrix - composites for commercially relevant applications, such as packaging materials or top layers in dry room applications, was investigated. In particular, the results of a full factorial experimental design are presented, in which the factors glycerol content, content of sodium lauryl sulfate, pressure parameters and stirring time as well as their mutual interactions were investigated.