Hydroxyapatite incorporation improves the physical, mechanical, thermal and flame-retardant properties of biodegradable rice waste-based packaging

Abstract

Biodegradable packaging is a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic packaging but still has insurmountable disadvantages. The effect of hydroxyapatite (HAp) incorporation on the physical, mechanical, thermal and flame-retardant properties of rice husk-based biodegradable packaging was evaluated. HAp was obtained from poultry industry waste. The containers were obtained by thermo-pressing using 10%, 15% and 20% rice husk fibre (RHP) and incorporating 0%, 1%, 3% and 5% HAp. A 118.84% reduction in water absorption was observed in the trays with 5% HAp compared to the control. Mechanical properties were improved in the trays with 1% and 5% HAp (6.05 and 8.85 kg-f hardness and maximum tensile strength, respectively). The incineration time was 53.27 s in trays with 5% HAp; whereas, in the control trays, the average time was 35.16 s, and they also presented greater thermal stability. It was demonstrated that the incorporation of HAp in the formulation of biodegradable trays reduces their water absorption capacity and improves their thermal and flame-retardant properties.