A novel approach for fabrication of thermoplastic starch based biocomposites

Abstract

In this study, jute fiber/thermoplastic starch based (TPS) biocomposites were fabricated by using a novel mixing method. Dry mixing of filler and matrix was carried out by using a planetary high shear mixer. Various levels of fillers were used in order to observe the effect of fiber ratio on mechanical, structural and thermal properties of the composites. Both tensile strength and elastic modulus values of biocomposites were found to be improved by incorporation of jute fibers. The enhancement was attributed to the reinforcing effect of jute fibers and strong interphase between the filler and polymeric matrix that was also shown by morphology and FTIR analysis. In addition to those, thermal stability of the TPS composites increased by addition of the jute filler.