Behavior of biodegradable composites based on starch reinforced with modified cellulosic fibers

Abstract

The aims of this study were to develop composite films based on potato starch and cellulose modified with toluenediisocyanate, to investigate their morphology and structure, and to evaluate their behavior to enzymatic hydrolysis and their potential use to manufacture of biodegradable seedling pots. The effects of modified cellulosic fibers upon mechanical properties and biodegradability of composite materials based on starch matrix were investigated by tensile strength tests, Fourier infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and dynamic vapor sorption. The behavior of the films to enzymatic hydrolysis with amylase and cellulase was studied; the kinetic of enzymatic hydrolysis and characterization of materials are reported. Chemical modification of cellulose improves tensile strength with about 47%, and decreases the biodegradability of composites making them more resistant to microbial attack, thus prolonging their shelf life.

Heavy metal adsorption ability of a new composite material based on starch strengthened with chemically modified cellulose

“…As in the case mixture of birch and aspen cellulose, birch cellulose had a reinforcing effect, confirmed by mechanical properties. Thus, the tensile strength of starch has increased by addition of birch cellulose in the starch matrix from 2.0 ± 0.76 to 2.77 ± 0.59 MPa.…”

“…Our study concerned on manufacture of biodegradable seedlings pots (used in greenhouses) which could have the capacity to retain heavy metals, acting like a barrier against soil pollutants. Thus, we found that starch reinforced with TDI‐modified birch cellulose, which have good mechanical properties and is biodegradable (as we stated before), is able to retain, in a proportion of about 60%, lead, zinc, and copper ions.…”

“…Organosolv cellulose was modified by an adapted method described by of Yu et al and presented in our previous work …”

“…Organosolv cellulose was modified by an adapted method described by of Yu et al 33 and presented in our previous work. 31 Shortly, 0.5-g cellulose dissolved in 10-g ionic liquid (BMIC) was stirred at 40°C with 5-mL TDI. The temperature was raised and maintained at 80°C for 2 hours.…”

“…These biopolymers can be relatively easily chemically modified by introducing functional groups which are prone to chelation with heavy metal ions. [28][29][30] In a previous work, 31 we have reported the development of a new biomaterial based on starch reinforced with a mixture of organosolv celluloses from birch and aspen which were chemically modified with toluene-diisocyanate (TDI). We found that due to its good mechanical properties, water absorption ability, and biodegradability, this biopolymer could be used for manufacturing of seedling pots used in greenhouses.…”