This study developed bioplastic composite films (BPCFs) from Taro starch reinforced with coffee husk (CH) and Enset fiber (EF) for packaging application. BPCFs were prepared by melting starch, glycerol, and vinegar, with fiber loading ratios ranging from 0 to 10 wt.%. The physicochemical properties of BPCFs were characterized by using XRD, FTIR, SEM, TGA, and UTM techniques. The XRD analysis of Taro starch (TS) revealed A-type crystal structure with 26.68% crystallinity index. The FTIR spectra exhibited the intermolecular interaction in BPCFs occurred through various functional groups. SEM images showed a strong interfacial interaction and biocompatibility between the TS matrix and reinforcement fiber, resulting in enhanced tensile strength. The thermostability of BPCFs indicates their suitability for packaging applications. The density and thickness of BPCFs increased with an increase in fiber concentration. Conversely, the moisture content decreased with an increase in fiber content, attributed to the hydrophobic nature of the highly crystalline cellulose fiber. The BPCFs demonstrated superior strength compared to starch-based bioplastic, with a tensile strength of up to 6 wt.% (8.76 MPa) and reduced elongation. There was a maximum weight loss of 89% and 71% observed for TS-based bioplastic and its BPCFs respectively after 60 days. Biodegradability and water absorption were increased with the increase in the number of days, which shows the material's biodegradable properties.
The urgent need for sustainable, biodegradable alternatives to conventional petroleum-based plastics for packaging applications arises from increasing environmental concerns. This study developed bioplastic composite films (BPCFs) using 10 g of potato peel starch (PPS) reinforced with avocado peel pectin (APP) and sisal fiber (SF) at varying concentrations (0 wt.%, 2 wt.%, 4 wt.%, 6 wt., 8 wt.%, and 10 wt.%) and ratios (1:3, 1:1, and 3:1). Glycerol (3.5 mL) was used as a plasticizer and vinegar (2 mL) acted as a crosslinker, with the solution casting method employed for film preparation. The BPCFs were characterized through various techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), universal testing machine (UTM), and assessments of physical properties such as film thickness and moisture content. The XRD pattern of PPS showed B-type characteristics with a crystallinity index (Xc) of 17.43%. Incorporating APP/SF at 6 wt.% with a 1:3 ratio increased the Xc of BPCFs to 24.57%. FTIR analysis confirmed the functional groups, and SEM analysis offered insights into morphology and microcrack behavior. The TGA graph indicates that BPCFs at 6 wt.% improve thermal stability, while DSC curves show higher glass transition and melting temperatures compared to 0 wt.%, beneficial for packaging systems. The findings indicate an increase in film thickness and a decrease in moisture content with elevated APP/SF loading. The tensile strength of BPCFs enhanced from 3.36 ± 0.17 MPa at 0 wt.% - 8.89 ± 0.44 MPa with 6 wt.% APP/SF loading at a 1:3 ratio. The biodegradability and water absorption of the BPCFs decreased as the loading of APP/SF increased over various time intervals. The developed BPCFs serves as a high-performance, eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastics, specifically for packaging and single-use plastic products.
