Effect of cellulosic fiber scale on linear and non-linear mechanical performance of starch-based composites

Published Date
October 2016, Vol.91:1040–1044, doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2016.06.061

Author 

• Samaneh Karimi ^a,,,
 
• Ali Abdulkhani ^b
 
• Paridah Md. Tahir ^c
 
• Alain Dufresne ^d
 

• aThe New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited, 7608 Lincoln, New Zealand
• bDepartment of Wood and Paper Science and Technology, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 31585-43114, Karaj, Iran
• cLaboratory of Biocomposite Technology, Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products (INTROP), University Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
• dGrenoble Institute of Technology, The International School of Paper, Print Media and Biomaterials (PAGORA), CS10065, 38402 Saint Martin d’Hères Cedex, France

Received 4 March 2016. Revised 6 June 2016. Accepted 19 June 2016. Available online 20 June 2016.

Abstract

Cellulosic nanofibers (NFs) from kenaf bast were used to reinforce glycerol plasticized thermoplastic starch (TPS) matrices with varying contents (0–10 wt%). The composites were prepared by casting/evaporation method. Raw fibers (RFs) reinforced TPS films were prepared with the same contents and conditions. The aim of study was to investigate the effects of filler dimension and loading on linear and non-linear mechanical performance of fabricated materials. Obtained results clearly demonstrated that the NF-reinforced composites had significantly greater mechanical performance than the RF-reinforced counterparts. This was attributed to the high aspect ratio and nano dimension of the reinforcing agents, as well as their compatibility with the TPS matrix, resulting in strong fiber/matrix interaction. Tensile strength and Young’s modulus increased by 313% and 343%, respectively, with increasing NF content from 0 to 10 wt%. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) revealed an elevational trend in the glass transition temperature of amylopectin-rich domains in composites. The most eminent record was +18.5 °C shift in temperature position of the film reinforced with 8% NF. This finding implied efficient dispersion of nanofibers in the matrix and their ability to form a network and restrict mobility of the system.

Keywords

Thermoplastic starch

Nanocomposites

Cellulose nanofibers

Mechanical properties

Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA)

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