Ahmad, Zuraida and Razak, Nur Humairah Abdul and Roslan, Nur Suraya Mohd and Mosman, Nazariah
(2014)
Evaluation of Kenaf Fibres Reinforced Starch Based Biocomposite Film through Water Absorption and Biodegradation Properties.
Journal of Engineering Science and Technology, 10.
pp. 31-39.
ISSN 1823-4690
Abstract
The effect of kenaf short fibres (KF) on thermoplastic sago starch (TPSS) film
was investigated for its water absorbency, biodegradability and structure morphology.
The TPSS reinforced KF biocomposite film was prepared via casting method at varying
TPSS/KF weight percentage of 100/0, 95/05, 90/10, 85/15 and 80/20, while the plasticiser
was at a constant amount of 30%, relative to the weight of starch. The result of water
absorbency tended to increase for both pure TPSS (100/0) and biocomposite film with
prolonged testing days and that the incorporation of KF improves the water resistance of
the biocomposite film. Moreover, biocomposite film at 15 wt% of KF content
demonstrated the highest weight loss of 39% after 40 days of soil burial for
biodegradability test. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysed the morphology of
the film and revealed good wetting of matrix over the fibres that lead to better adhesion
of fibres with the TPSS matrix.
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