title: Potential of using multiscale kenaf fibers as reinforcing filler in cassava starch-kenaf biocomposites.
abstract: Biodegradable materials made from cassava starch and kenaf fibers were prepared using a solution casting method. Kenaf fibers were treated with NaOH, bleached with sodium chlorite and acetic buffer solution, and subsequently acid hydrolyzed to obtain cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). Biocomposites in the form of films were prepared by mixing starch and glycerol/sorbitol with various filler compositions (0-10 wt%). X-ray diffraction revealed that fiber crystallinity increased after each stage of treatment. Morphological observations and size reductions of the extracted cellulose and CNCs were studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The effects of different treatments and filler contents of the biocomposites were evaluated through mechanical tests. Results showed that the tensile strengths and moduli of the biocomposites increased after each treatment and the optimum filler content was 6%.
authors: School of Chemical Science and Food Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
authors: Siti Yasmine Zanariah
authors: SY
authors: Zainuddin
authors: Ishak
authors: I
authors: Ahmad
authors: Hanieh
authors: H
authors: Kargarzadeh
authors: Ibrahim
authors: I
authors: Abdullah
authors: Alain
authors: A
authors: Dufresne
mesh_terms: D002482:Cellulose / Q000737:chemistry; D031584:Hibiscus / Q000737:chemistry*; D006868:Hydrolysis; D002365:Manihot / Q000737:chemistry*; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry; D010969:Plastics / Q000737:chemistry; D013213:Starch / Q000737:chemistry*; D013696:Temperature; D013718:Tensile Strength
chemical_list: D010969:Plastics; D002482:Cellulose; D013213:Starch