August 15, 2023 | International Journal of Biological Macromolecules |
Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka conducted a study to develop and enhance thermoplastic cassava starch (TPCS) composites using durian peel fiber (DPF) extracted from agro-waste. Focusing on different compositions of DPF (10-50 wt%), the study employed compression molding to analyze the mechanical and thermal properties of the resulting composites. Thermal stability improved with the addition of DPF, evidenced by an increased onset decomposition temperature. Moreover, DPF integration accelerated the biodegradation rate. Tensile and flexural properties showed significant enhancement, with the 40 wt% DPF content demonstrating the highest modulus and strength. Compared to the control, TPCS/DPF composites exhibited substantial strength improvements. Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy confirmed effective DPF-TPCS matrix interaction. The study concludes that DPF, especially at a 40 wt% ratio, holds promise as a green reinforcement for biodegradable TPCS matrices.