Physical, Mechanical and Antibacterial Properties of Biodegradable Bioplastics from Polylactic Acid and Corncob Fibers with Added Nano Titanium Dioxide

Abstract

The objective of this research was to investigate the mechanical, physical and antibacterial activities and biodegradability properties of bioplastics from polylactic acid (PLA) and corncob fibers (CF). The bioplastics were prepared by mixing PLA and CF at different ratios (100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40 and 50:50 % w:w) in the internal mixer and molding was done by using the hot-compressing molding method. The results demonstrated the decrease in tensile strength and elongation at break with increased in CF. Young’s modulus was found to be highest in the 70 %PLA: 30 %CF bioplastic, however, it decreased when the CF was increased. The hardness and water absorption were dependent on CF concentration. SEM analysis revealed the well dispersion of CF in PLA matrix. PLA matrix and increasing of CF induced in CF agglomeration. To develop PLA/CE plastic for antibacterial food packaging application, its antibacterial activity was conducted. The antibacterial determination revealed that 70 %PLA: 30 %CF containing 2 % TiO2 bioplastic exhibited the highest inhibition against E. Coli, S. aureus and B. subtilis. The results obtained from this research indicate that the bioplastics prepared from polylactic acid and corncob fibers is biodegradable bioplastics and can be used as alternate synthetic plastics. The bioplastic with 2 %TiO2 added can be utilized potentially for expected antibacterial food packaging. HIGHLIGHTS The bioplastics prepared from polylactic acid and corncob fibers (PLA/CF) is a biodegradable bioplastic PLA/CF bioplastic with the addition of 1 % TiO2 possesses antibacterial property Corncob fibers decrease tensile strength, elongation at break and Young’s modulus of the PLA/CF bioplastic Corncob fibers increase the hardness and water absorption of the PLA/CF bioplastic Increasing concentration of corncob fibers causes the agglomeration of corncob fibers in the PLA/CF bioplastic GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Utilization of Waste Natural Fiber Mixed with Polylactic Acid (PLA) Bicomponent Fiber: Incorporating Kapok and Cattail Fiber for Nonwoven Medical Textile Applications

“…These findings were similar to those of Kervran et al [37], in which PLA degraded in one step at around 350 From the literature review, it was indicated that both cattail and kapok fibers exhibit natural antibacterial activity due to their high lignin content [38][39][40]. Cattail fiber contains an approximate lignin content of 16.5% [30], while kapok fiber exhibits a lignin content ranging from 13% to 22% [39]. In this study, the antibacterial efficacy of these fibers was evaluated according to the ASTM E2149 standard against S. aureus and K. pneumoniae.…”

Utilization of Waste Natural Fibers Mixed with Polylactic Acid (PLA) Bicomponent Fiber: Incorporating Kapok and Cattail Fibers for Nonwoven Medical Textile Applications

“…From the literature review, it was indicated that both cattail and kapok fibers exhibit natural antibacterial activity due to their high lignin content [ 38 , 39 , 40 ]. Cattail fiber contains an approximate lignin content of 16.5% [ 30 ], while kapok fiber exhibits a lignin content ranging from 13% to 22% [ 39 ]. In this study, the antibacterial efficacy of these fibers was evaluated according to the ASTM E2149 standard against S. aureus and K. pneumoniae .…”

“…PLA is a biodegradable and bioactive polyester derived from renewable resources such as corn, potato, sugarcane, and other carbohydrate sources [ 23 , 24 ]. It is commonly used in various applications, including packaging [ 25 ], biomedical devices [ 26 ], 3D printing [ 26 ], and textiles [ 26 , 27 , 28 ], due to its eco-friendly nature and biodegradability [ 29 , 30 ].…”