Solvent-cast Biofilm from Poly(lactic) Acid and Durian Husk Fiber: Tensile, Water Absorption, and Biodegradation Behaviors

ABSTRACT

The issues of petroleum-based plastics are increasing day by day, causing environmental and health impacts. One of the alternative ways to reduce these issues is to introduce a new biocomposite material in order to replace the commercial plastics. Poly(lactic) acid (PLA)/durian husk fiber (DHF) biofilms with different DHF contents (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%) were prepared via a simple solvent casting method. The tensile, water absorption, and biodegradation properties of the PLA/DHF biofilms were investigated. The results revealed that the tensile strength and modulus of elasticity of the PLA/DHF biofilms increased with increasing DHF content from 5 wt% to 10 wt%. However, the opposite results were shown in elongation at break. The tensile strength and modulus of elasticity of the PLA/DHF biofilms decreased as compared to neat PLA film due to the plasticized effect that happened in the biofilms. However, the enzymatic degradation with α-amylase and water absorption properties of the PLA/DHF biofilms increased with increasing of DHF content. Furthermore, alkali treatment with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) was carried out on the DHF. The NaOH treatment enhanced the tensile strength and water resistance of the biofilms, but reduced the enzymatic degradation of the biofilms.

摘要

石油基塑料问题日益突出, 对环境和健康造成影响. 减少这些问题的另–种方法是引入–种新的生物复合材料来取代商业塑料. 采用溶剂浇铸法制备了不同DHF含量 (0, 5, 10, 15和20wt%) 的聚乳酸 (PLA)/榴莲壳纤维 (DHF) 生物膜. 研究了DHF/PLA的拉伸性能, 生物膜的生物降解性能. 结果表明, 随着 DHF含量从5%增加到10%, PLA/DHF生物膜的拉伸强度和弹性模量均增加. 然而, 在断裂伸长率方面却出现了相反的结果. 与纯PLA膜相比, PLA/DHF生物膜的拉伸强度和弹性模量都有所下降, 这是由于生物膜发生了塑化作用. 但随着 DHF 含量的增加, PLA/DHF生物膜的吸水性能和α-淀粉酶的酶降解性能增强. 此外, 用氢氧化钠 (NaOH) 对DHF进行碱处理. NaOH处理提高了生物膜的拉伸强度和耐水性, 但降低了生物膜的酶降解.

关键字:

• 榴莲壳纤维
• 聚乳酸
• 碱处理
• 生物膜
• 生物降解

KEYWORDS:

• Durian husk fiber
• poly(lactic) acid
• alkali treatment
• biofilm
• biodegradation

Acknowledgments

The authors would like thank to Imperium International College (Formerly known as HELP College of Arts and Technology) for providing materials and equipment to complete this research study.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

K. A. Gisan

K. A. Gisan is a Bachelor Degree student in Mechanical Engineering, Imperium International College, Malaysia (E-mail: [email protected]).

M. Y. Chan

M. Y. Chan is a lecturer in Tunku Abdul Rahman University College, Malaysia (E-mail: [email protected]). She is a corresponding author of this manuscript.

S. C. Koay

S. C. Koay is a lecturer in Taylor’s University, Malaysia (E-mail: [email protected]). Dr M. Y. Chan and Dr S. C. Koay research works are mainly focused on composite materials.