Starch Based Biocomposite from Sago (Metroxylon sagu) with Nano-Chitosan reinforcement : Mechanical and Thermal Characteristics

Abstract

A biocomposite system incorporating sago starch and nano-chitosan (SS/NCS) were developed by casting and solvent evaporation method. The purpose of this experiment for characterization of the film based on sago starch (SS) with a variation of the addition of nano-chitosan (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8% by weight starch) and analyze its effect on mechanical properties, thermal properties, and morphological characteristics of mixed film (SS / NCS). Possible intermolecular interactions between SS and NCS were confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and the reduction of crystallinity in XRD. The experimental data showed that the incorporation of nano-chitosan resulted in an increase in film solubility, tensile strength and elongation at break and a decrease in Young’s modulus. Elongation at break of the (SS/NCS) films increased with increasing of nano-chitosan concentration. The water vapor permeability (WVP) of (SS/NCS) films increased with an increase of chitosan concentration and the same tendency observed for the moisture content. Based on thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), the percentage of nano-chitosan content in starch-based films can increase thermal stability.. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) shows the surface morphology and interface of NCS/SS composite films and suggests sufficient homogenization of starch and chitosan in biodegradable composite films.

A Comprehensive Review on the Emerging Roles of Nanofillers and Plasticizers towards Sustainable Starch-Based Bioplastic Fabrication

“…However, chitosan is insoluble in water, strong base solutions and some organic solvents such as alcohol and acetone. Therefore, an aqueous acidic solution such as hydrochloric acid (HCl) or acetic acid is required to dissolve the chitosan [80].…”