Abstract
The development of biodegradable materials as food packaging material is important not only due to the reduction in environmental pollution but also because of an improvement in the functionality. Rice husk-reinforced biopolymers have offered a possible solution to waste-disposal problems associated with traditional petroleum-derived plastics. Rice husk-reinforced low density polyethylene (LDPE)-based biocomposites have been of great interest for their use as food packaging material. In this work, the LDPE/RH biocomposites with different rice husk (RH) content (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 wt.%) were prepared by the melt mixing process in a laboratory Brabender mixer. The effect of RH content on the physical, thermal and mechanical properties of LDPE was investigated. More importantly, this work aimed to research the biodegradation of the LDPE/RH biocomposites as well as their effect on ‘Granny Smith’ apples’ respiration. The results showed that the incorporation of RH into the LDPE decreased the thermal stability of LDPE, increased water vapour permeability and water absorption, and increased the degree of crystallinity. The incorporation of RH increased the biodegradability of LDPE as well as the postharvest quality of ‘Granny Smith’ apples. The addition of RH in LDPE film significantly decreased fruit respiration and increased firmness as compared to LDPE film. The composting results showed that after the LDPE/RH biocomposite films were biodegraded for 21 days, the biocomposite films with the highest content of rice husks were the most degraded.
Highlights
Nondegradable polymers are the most popular food packaging materials but can cause a severe environmental problem
The results showed that the incorporation of rice husk (RH) into the low density polyethylene (LDPE) decreased the thermal stability of LDPE, increased water vapour permeability and water absorption, and increased the degree of crystallinity
Comparing the images of neat LDPE film (Figure 2a) with that of LDPE/RH biocomposites, we can see that as the concentration of RH increases the phase separation and agglomeration occurs in LDPE/RH biocomposites, especially at a higher RH content
Summary
Nondegradable polymers are the most popular food packaging materials but can cause a severe environmental problem. The increased presence of plastic waste, mainly derived from synthetic polymers obtained from the petrochemical industry, is a significant source of contamination [1], and has potential to damage plants, animals and humans due to the emission of harmful substances such as dioxins [2] To reduce these environmental problems, many studies have focused on the development of biodegradable and compostable packaging systems [3,4,5]. Rice husk (RH) occurs in huge quantities as a by-product of rice processing and is an agricultural waste that cannot be incinerated due to ash, harmful gases and fumes that contribute to air pollution [13] This material should be recycled through industrial use. Comparing the images of neat LDPE film (Figure 2a) with that of LDPE/RH biocomposites, we can see that as the concentration of RH increases the phase separation and agglomeration occurs in LDPE/RH biocomposites, especially at a higher RH content
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