Production and characterization of thermoplastic starch films reinforced with cellulose nanowhiskers from kawayan tinik (Bambusa blumeana J.A. & J.H. Schultes) as packaging material

Date

12-2015

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

Major Course

Major in Pulp and Paper Technology

College

College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology (CEAT)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Ronniel D. Manalo

Restrictions

Restricted: Not available to the general public. Access is available only after consultation with author/thesis adviser and only to those bound by the confidentiality agreement.

Abstract

This study dealt on the potential of producing thermoplastic starch (TPS) films as packaging material with improved properties by incorporating bamboo cellulose nanowhiskers (CNWs) as reinforcement. CNWs were produced from raw bamboo subjected to Kraft pulping, bleaching with calcium hypochlorite, and purification processes to obtain alpha-cellulose. CNWs were isolated using controlled acid hydrolysis with two concentrations of sulfuric acid (46% v/v or 55% v/v) for 30 min at 40 °C. This was followed by centrifugation, dialysis and sonication. The morphology of CNWs was characterized using Atomic Force Spectroscopy (AFM). The yield was also determined. Films were produced by mixing conrnstarch, CNWs, glycerol and distilled water via casting evaporation. Different amounts of CNWs (0 to 12%) were used while maintaining a fixed solid to liquid ratio. Physical and mechanical properties, as well as water vapor permeability and optical transmission of the nanocomposite films produced were tested based on ASTM. The properties of the TPS-CNW films were compared with those of conventional packaging materials. CNW is isolated using 55% sulfuric acid has lower average diameter and length of 26.09 nm and 82.97nm, respectively. The yield was almost hald of the other concentration at 12.75%, CNWs produced at this concentration were used in the films. Incorporation of CNWs has no significant effect on the thickness, grammage, and density of the nanocomposite films. Nanocomposite films reinforced with 3% CNWs have the most improved properties with the highest tensile strength, Young?s modulus, transparency and with the lowest water vapor transmission rate. It can be concluded that the incorporation of nanowhiskers as reinforcement improved the properties of the film at an optimum level but gradually decreases with further addition of nanowhiskers. Nanocomposite films with the highest properties produced as compared to conventional packaging films have inferior mechanical properties but have better water vapor permeability property thus it can be used as coatings and barrier membranes with less mechanical requirements.

Language

English

Location

UPLB College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology (CEAT)

Call Number

LG 993.5 2015 E62 /V56

Document Type

Thesis

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