Preparation and characterization of PLA/algae nanocomposites for packaging industry

Adli, Sarah Amalina and Ali, Fathilah and Azmi, Azlin Suhaida (2018) Preparation and characterization of PLA/algae nanocomposites for packaging industry. In: 5th International Conference on Biotechnology Engineering (ICBioE 2018), 19th-20th September 2018, Kuala Lumpur.

PDF - Published Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (962kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

Recently, the accumulation of waste on landfill caused mainly by plastic packaging raises environmental concerns. Therefore, researchers have come up with biodegradable polymer to replace conventional plastic in the packaging industry. Now, many biopolymers have been studied and some of them shows potential to substitute petroleum based plastic, but one biopolymer (polylactic acid (PLA)) in particular stands out as it possesses the same properties as conventional plastic like polystyrene and polyester. However, PLA’s slow degradation rate and brittleness limit its application. Therefore the aim of this study is to modify PLA in order to overcome the limitations and broaden its application in the packaging industry. PLA is modified by using algae as a filler to lower the cost and improve degradation rate of PLA, whereas epoxidized palm oil (EPO) is used as plasticizer to enhance PLA’s flexibility. In this research, plasticized PLA (PLAEPO) is mixed using 5 wt% of algae filler content. The composite is prepared by two methods; solvent casting and melt mixing. For solvent casting the blends are dissolved in chloroform and casted by evaporation of solvent whereas in melt mixing method, the blends are melt blended using an internal mixer. Thermal, mechanical and morphological properties of PLAEPO/algae composite is conducted by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), tensile testing and scanning electron microscopy respectively. After further discussion and consideration, it is decided that PLAEPO/ALG-5 is best prepared by solvent casting method.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Plenary Papers)
Additional Information:	5439/70562
Uncontrolled Keywords:	polylactic acid (PLA); biopolymers; epoxidized palm oil (EPO); PLAEPO
Subjects:	T Technology > TP Chemical technology > TP1080 Polymers, plastics and their manufacture
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Engineering > Department of Biotechnology Engineering Kulliyyah of Engineering
Depositing User:	Dr Fathilah Ali
Date Deposited:	27 Feb 2019 16:52
Last Modified:	27 Feb 2019 16:52
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/70562

Actions (login required)

View Item