Effect of bentonite nanoclay filler on the properties of bioplastic based on sago starch

Abstract

The non-biodegradability of plastic packaging has led to a renewed interest in packaging materials based on biopolymers. The biopolymer used in this study which is sago starch is versatile and abundantly available in nature. In the present study, sago starch (SS)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films were plasticized with glycerol (GLY) and reinforced with nanoclay bentonite (BEN) at 1 wt.%, 3 wt.% and 5 wt.% using solution casting method. The films prepared were characterized for their physic-chemical properties using conventional methods. Findings have shown that 5 wt.% BEN reinforced thermoplastic sago starch (TSS) showed highest weight loss in degradation test, greatest improvement in tensile strength and the lowest water absorption in swelling test. The introduction of BEN in the TSS showed changes in the intensification of O-H bond and Si-O bond. Furthermore, inclusion of BEN had reduced the vacant spots of SS/PVA/GLY matrices. Hence, the introduction of BEN in TSS composite had improved the film's properties. This study suggests that SS/PVA/GLY/BEN film has the potential for packaging application to lessen the dependence on non-degradable plastic packaging.