Starch granules containing amylopectin-rich fractions like sago starch may remain insoluble and undamaged decreasing properties of the film. The aim of this study is to characterize native sago starch films prepared using ultrasonication. An ultrasonication probe was used during gelatinization for 2.5, 5, and 10 min respectively. Ultrasonication decreases the incomplete gelatinized granules resulting in a film with a more compact structure, and lower moisture vapor permeability than non-treated film. The longest duration resulted in a film with the highest transparency, and the highest thermal resistance. The duration for 5 min increased tensile strength of the film by 227%, and its moisture absorption decreased by 29.83% compared to non-sonicated film. After ultrasonication for 10 min, melting temperature increased by 7% in comparison to non-sonicated film. This work promotes a simple method to improve the tensile and physical properties of starch based film.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

This paper reports on the properties of microscale water hyacinth fiber pulp (WHF) filled tapioca starch biopolymer (TSB) composites. The volume fraction of WHF in the TSB matrix is varied, that is, 1%, 3%, 5%, and 10%. A casting method is used for making sample films of the biocomposites. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the fracture surface of the biocomposite for the tensile samples displays good fiber distribution in the matrix, and interface bonding between WHF and TSB. The 10% fiber biocomposite deliveres the highest value of tensile strength (TS) of 6.68 MPa, and tensile modulus (TM) of 210.95 MPa; however, this combination also has the lowest fracture strain of 7.30%. In this case, there was 549% improvement of TS and 973% of TM in comparison to TSB. The biocomposite with 10% WHF content also showes the highest thermal resistance and the lowest moisture absorption. It shows potential for future commercial applications.