Evaluation of Kenaf Fibres Reinforced Starch Based Biocomposite Film through Water Absorption and Biodegradation Properties

Ahmad, Zuraida and Abdul Razak, Nur Humairah and Mohd Roslan, Nur Suraya and Mosman, Nazariah (2014) Evaluation of Kenaf Fibres Reinforced Starch Based Biocomposite Film through Water Absorption and Biodegradation Properties. Journal of Engineering Science, 10. pp. 31-39. ISSN 1823-3430

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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.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	3254/41044
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Sago starch, kenaf fibres, biocomposite film, thermoplastic starch, biodegradability, structure morphology
Subjects:	T Technology > T Technology (General)
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Engineering > Department of Manufacturing and Materials Engineering
Depositing User:	Prof Ir Dr Zuraida Ahmad
Date Deposited:	09 Feb 2015 09:13
Last Modified:	09 Feb 2015 09:13
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/41044

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