Chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol (Chitosan/PVA)

Composites of polypropylene (PP) and kenaf fiber (KF) were immersed in water at room temperature. The fiber was treated with alkaline solution. A compatibilizer, maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene (MAPP) was added in some composite formulations. Composite with alkali treated fibers (KFA) showed similar tensile strength but lower tensile modulus than the composite with untreated fiber, KF. Addition of MAPP was crucial to improve the tensile properties and water resistance of either PP/KF or PP/KFA composites. Alkali treatment adversely affected the water absorption behavior of PP/KF composite.

The aim of this study was to extend the banana (Musa sp.) shelf-life via tapioca (Manihot esculenta) starch (TS) coating formulation. The fruit coating was developed from different concentration of tapioca starch (TS) [2, 4, 6 and 8% w/v], supported for improved hydrophobicity by palm oil (PO) [0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2% v/v] and provided antioxidant properties via Premna serratifolia extract (PE) [1, 2, 3% v/v]. The effect of the fruit coating towards the banana colour, firmness, total soluble solids, and weight loss were evaluated till 8 days at room temperature. The 4% w/v TS showed good control over weight loss and acceptable firmness of banana. Similarly, addition of PO in TS coating significantly improved the barrier properties especially 4% w/v TS + 1% v/v PO indicated lower weight loss and better firmness compared to other treatments. The addition of Premna serratifolia extract (PE) in 4% w/v TS coating improved the colour, lower the weight loss especially 4% w/v TS+ 1% v/v PO + 1% v/v PE. Thus, the addition of PO and PE in the starch coatings could extend the shelf life and quality of fruit at ambient temperature.