EFFECT OF PLASTICIZER AND AGRICULTURE FIBER ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTY OF STARCH-PECTIN CAST FILMS

Authors: Shey, Justin; Imam, Syed; Glenn, Gregory - Greg; Orts, William; Wood, Delilah - De; Inglesby, Maria; Klamczynski, Artur; Nguyen, Tony

Submitted to: Bio Environmental Polymer Society
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/17/2003
Publication Date: 8/17/2003
Citation: Shey, J., Imam, S.H., Glenn, G.M., Orts, W.J., Wood, D.F., Inglesby, M.K., Klamczynski, A., Nguyen, T.T. 2003. Effect of plasticizer and agriculture fiber on the mechanical property of starch-pectin cast films. Bio Environmental Polymer Society Meeting, Denver, CO.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Cast films were prepared from the aqueous suspension of potato starch (pre-gel) and pectin with and without plasticizer and agricultural fiber. Film's mechanical properties, namely, plastic modulus, peak strength and elongation at break improved using 1.5% sorbitol as a plasticizer. Agricultural fiber derived from rice straw, recycled pulp and maple wood when added in formulation exhibited improved mechanical properties and moisture resistance. Best improvements in film properties were found in formulation with sorbitol and recycled pulp fiber. Scanning Electron Micrographs showed homogenously distributed fibrous network throughout the matrix. The improvement in the mechanical behavior of starch from stiff/brittle to soft/flexible was dependent on the polymer's macromolecular organization and glass transition temperature (Tg). Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) was utilized to evaluate the effect of small molecular size plasticizer on the glass transition temperature (Tg) of potato starch in these films. Film samples exposed in compost soil for 6 weeks indicated a steady weight loss with time.