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Reinforcement and Toughening of Thermo-Compressed Guar Gum Films with Untreated Rice Husk for Eco-Friendly Packaging
Theeraphol Phromsopha1, Yodthong Baimark1
1Biodegradable Polymers Research Unit, Department of Chemistry and Centre of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand.
Polymers
|July 15, 2026
Summary
This study developed eco-friendly guar gum (GG) bioplastics reinforced with untreated rice husk (URH) powder. The resulting composite films show enhanced mechanical properties and barrier performance, offering a sustainable alternative for food packaging.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Sustainable Materials
Background:
- Guar gum (GG) is a biodegradable polysaccharide with potential for bioplastics.
- Developing sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics is crucial for environmental protection.
- Untreated rice husk (URH) is an abundant agricultural waste that can be utilized as a filler.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate and characterize eco-friendly composite films using guar gum and untreated rice husk powder.
- To evaluate the effect of varying untreated rice husk content on the properties of guar gum-based bioplastics.
- To assess the potential of these composites as sustainable materials for food packaging applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of guar gum/untreated rice husk composite films via thermocompression.
- Characterization of composite films including mechanical testing, thermal analysis, and water interaction studies.
- Optimization of untreated rice husk loading for improved film properties.
Main Results:
- Optimal particle dispersion and interfacial adhesion were achieved at 10 wt% URH loading.
- Incorporation of URH significantly enhanced thermal stability, tensile strength (90% increase), elongation at break (32% increase), and toughness (246% increase).
- URH addition reduced moisture content and water vapor permeability, while increasing water contact angle and film opacity.
Conclusions:
- Untreated rice husk acts as an effective multifunctional reinforcing filler for guar gum bioplastics without chemical modification.
- The developed GG/URH composite films demonstrate promising properties for eco-friendly food packaging.
- These findings offer a sustainable pathway for valorizing agricultural waste into high-performance bioplastics.
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