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Bio-Based Thermoplastic Starch Composites Reinforced by Dialdehyde Lignocellulose
Peng Yin1, Wen Zhou1, Xin Zhang1
1Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 26, 2020
Summary
Thermoplastic starch (TPS) composites were reinforced with dialdehyde lignocellulose (DLC) to enhance mechanical properties and water resistance. The optimal DLC content improved tensile strength and elongation at break, demonstrating potential for advanced material applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Biocomposites
Background:
- Thermoplastic starch (TPS) exhibits limitations in mechanical properties and water resistance.
- Lignocellulose (LC) is an abundant natural polymer with potential for reinforcement.
- Oxidation of LC can yield functionalized materials like dialdehyde lignocellulose (DLC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel DLC-reinforced TPS composites.
- To improve the mechanical properties and water resistance of TPS.
- To investigate the effect of DLC content on the composite properties.
Main Methods:
- Lignocellulose (LC) was oxidized to prepare dialdehyde lignocellulose (DLC) using sodium periodate.
- DLC-reinforced TPS composites were fabricated via extrusion and injection molding with glycerol as a plasticizer.
- Characterization included X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mechanical testing, thermal analysis, and contact angle measurements.
Main Results:
- XRD revealed decreased DLC crystallinity due to oxidation.
- SEM showed good DLC dispersion in TPS at low concentrations, correlating with improved mechanical properties.
- Maximum tensile strength (5.26 MPa) and elongation at break (111.25%) were achieved at 3 wt.% DLC.
- DLC/TPS composites exhibited enhanced thermal stability and tunable water resistance.
- The highest contact angle reached approximately 90.7°, indicating improved water resistance.
Conclusions:
- DLC is an effective reinforcement for improving TPS properties.
- The developed DLC/TPS composites offer enhanced mechanical performance and thermal stability.
- Optimized DLC content can significantly improve the water resistance of TPS composites.
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