Physico-Chemical, Functional and Rheological Characterization of Biodegradable Pellets and Composite Sheets

Abstract

Deoiled rice bran, paddy husk, cashew nut shell liquid and glycerol were extruded into pellets and further pressed into composites. Processing and plasticizer type had significant effect on physico-chemical, functional, rheological and morphological properties of pellets and composites. Specific mechanical energy of the pellets containing cashew nut shell liquid as plasticizer was higher than those containing glycerol. The maximum hardness and bulk density were obtained for pellets prepared from cashew nut shell liquid. Water binding capacity and water solubility index of both pellets and composites were highest for samples containing glycerol as plasticizer. A significant change in functional properties during processing was observed among raw materials, pellets and the final product (composite sheets).