Morphology and selected properties of kenaf fiber/cornhusk reinforced corn starch hybrid biocomposites

Abstract

The study examined the effect of the cornhusk fibers (CHF) content on the structure, physical, mechanical and water barrier properties of composites obtained on the basis of corn starch (CS) and kenaf fiber (KF), used in the amount of 6 wt%. Sorbitol in the amount of 30 wt% was used as a plasticizer. Hybrid biocomposite films were obtained using the solution casting technique. The addition of CHF reduced the water absorption and solubility of the film in water. Increasing the CHF content in the composite resulted in greater film thickness, weight and density. Thanks to good biocompatibility (FESEM) the composites showed higher tensile strength and Young’s modulus. However, elongation at break was lower. FTIR results confirmed the intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the matrix and the fibers. The best properties were obtained at 6 wt% CHF content.