Bio-composite films based on cassava starch reinforced with durian rind cellulose fibers

Abstract

This research aimed to develop compound of prototypes polymer bio-composites from cassava starch (CS) reinforced with agriculture residue, the rind of durian fruit. Cellulose extracted from durian rind using hot sodium hydroxide and bleaching treatment with hydrogen peroxide. The removal of lignin and hemicellulose components from durian rind were investigated by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Cassava starch bio-composite films were prepared by solution-casting technique which includes 0-50 wt% of durian rind (DR) or durian rind cellulose (DRC) as reinforcement agent and urea/glycerol (GU ratio = 50:50) as plasticizer. The physical and chemical properties of thermoplastic starch (TPS)/DR and TPS/DRC bio-composite films were investigated. The percent elongation at break of bio-composite films were increased when compared to control CS film. From 15TPS/DR (80/20) films showed increase the elongation at break from 7.28 to 14.00% when compared to CS control films. While 15TPS/DRC (80/20) bio-composite films exhibited that the highest elongation at break to 77%. Durian fiber (DR or DRC) loading decreased the water absorption of plasticized bio-composite films. Furthermore, incorporation of DRC in composite can be enhanced film stability in water better than DR. Therefore, the effect of DRC reinforcement agent on TPS bio-composite films can improve water resistance and mechanical properties, especially in terms of flexibility. Finally, the waste of bio-composite films was degraded completely in soil burial test.