Thermoplastic starch composite incorporating hybrid cellulose/bentonite filler

Abstract

The aim of this project is to prepare the biocomposite TPS films. The composite films were prepared by casting method. In this project, TPS biocomposites containing various ratios of cellulose/bentonite fillers were produced, and their morphology and mechanical were investigated. The best cellulose/bentonite ratio which resulted in the best improvement of mechanical of the TPS was determined. TPS bio composites incorporating cellulose, bentonite and cellulose/bentonite hybrid fillers were produced by using film casting technique. Both cellulose and bentonite were pre-dispersed using ultrasonic probe in water medium prior to mixing and casting with the TPS matrix. The non-pre-dispersed cellulose and bentonite filler filled TPS bio composites were also produced for comparison and study on the effectiveness of ultra-sonication in dispersing the fillers in TPS. Two types of testing were used to characterize the morphology of the fillers and bio composite, which were Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is used to analyze the dispersed phase and the interfacial interaction of thermoplastic starch-hybrid cellulose (bentonite) films. FTIR is used to determine the functional group of cellulose and bentonite fillers, and also TPS-hybrid cellulose / bentonite bio composites. Mechanical properties of the TPS bio composites were determined through tensile and tear tests using the Instron machine.