The Effect of Thermo-Oxidative Aging on Properties of Thermoplastic Starch Biocomposites Films

Abstract

The non-biodegradable and non-renewable nature of synthetic plastics poses a long-term threat to ecosystems, contributing to environmental pollution and depletion of natural resources. Thermoplastic starch (TPS) is a biodegradable biopolymer and has been identified as one of the best alternatives to replace synthetic polymers, especially in packaging application. In this study, hybrid inorganic/organic fillers were incorporated into the TPS to form hybrid biocomposites films that performed better performance compared to the neat TPS. Oil palm empty fruit bunch (OP) and dolomite (DO) were combined to form the hybrid fillers of the TPS biocomposites in the ratio of 1:4, 2:3, 3:2 and 4:1. Neat TPS was also prepared as control sample. The effect of thermo-oxidative aging on the mechanical properties of all the samples was evaluated. The structure of all samples was assessed using. X-ray Diffraction analysis (XRD) and X-ray Fluorescent (XRF). Based on the results, the TPS films with the hybrid fillers exhibited 61 % increment in tensile strength compared to the neat TPS films. In this study, OP4DO1 is best loading of the hybrid fillers to incorporated in TPS matrix as it achieved the highest value of tensile strength (5.61 MPa), modulus of elasticity (66.13 MPa) and elongation at break (59.93 %). Apparently, this study demonstrates a significant improvement in the tensile properties of the TPS when incorporated with these OP/DO hybrid fillers, thus indicate the potential of utilizing this TPS hybrid biocomposite in packaging applications.