Effects of ultrasonication process on crystallinity and tear strength of thermoplastic starch/cellulose biocomposites

Abstract

The thermoplastic starch (TPS)/cellulose biocomposites were manufactured as green biocomposite films. TPS was produced through plasticization process in which the mixture of starch granule and plasticizers (water and glycerine) went through the stirring and heating process. Cellulose was used as filler and prepared in suspension form through ultrasonication process involving isolation of cellulose in water medium. The ultrasonicated cellulose suspension was added into the TPS matrix to produce TPS/cellulose biocomposites by film casting. The effects of ultrasonication duration (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 hours) on the crystallinity and tear strength of the TPS/cellulose biocomposite films were investigated. Based on the XRD results, crystallinity of the cellulose and biocomposite were altered by the cellulose ultrasonication process. The tear strength of the TPS biocomposites were greatly enhanced when 5-hours ultrasonicated cellulose was employed as filler. The biocomposites demonstrated 241% higher tear strength than the pure TPS film. This could be related to the transformation of the cellulose into more isolated fiber, with enhanced crystallinity for better reinforcing effect to the TPS matrix.

Improving the Tensile and Tear Properties of Thermoplastic Starch/Dolomite Biocomposite Film through Sonication Process

“…They may exhibit poor mechanical performance due to severe issues of water sensitivity, environmental stress cracking, and high fragility over time. Their low mechanical properties are a major concern, especially when exposed to hydrolytic and oxidative conditions and elevated temperatures [ 4 , 8 ]. These restrict the use of the TPS packaging films for long-term application as opposed to the petroleum-based plastic.…”

“…In this context, dolomite particles dispersion in the TPS matrix is very important, since it can affect the mechanical properties of the resultant TPS-DOL biocomposite films. Previous research indicated that a good dispersion of filler leads to improvement in the mechanical properties of the TPS composites, such as tensile and tear strength [ 4 , 8 ]. Generally, the pristine dolomite particles exist in agglomerated form.…”

Morphology, mechanical properties, and biodegradability of all‐cellulose composite films from oil palm empty fruit bunch

“…Biopolymer films based on natural and renewable resources are gaining great attention worldwide as packaging materials due to their characteristics of being biodegradable and bio‐renewable. These natural compositions also do not release harsh chemicals to the atmosphere [2,3] …”

“…[2,3] Biopolymers like cellulose, chitin and starch have been studied and researched for packaging applications to substitute for synthetic plastics. [1][2][3] Composite materials based on biopolymers are gaining more attraction due to the mechanical performance of these materials which is almost always greater than their neat biopolymer counterparts. Lignocellulosic-based fibers from sisal, ramie and flax are used to replace conventional glass fibers.…”

Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) Treatment of Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) to Improve the Properties of Regenerated Cellulose Biocomposite Films

“…However, the dissolution process of cellulose is challenging since cellulose are known to be non-soluble in common solvents (water and conventional organic solvents). The insolubility of cellulose is due to the presence or appearance of intra-and intermolecular hydrogen bonding and Van der Waals interaction which closely pack the chains together, and also the partially crystalline structure of cellulose [8,9]. These restraints have motivated further discoveries and investigations for suitable cellulose dissolution methods to facilitate or aid in the use of cellulose, for example, in applications of regenerated cellulose [8,10,11].…”