title: Thermo-molded biocomposite from cassava starch, natural fibers and lignin associated by laccase-mediator system.
abstract: Treatment of cellulose fibers and lignin by laccase-mediator system was conducted to enhance the binding efficiency of natural fibers and lignin compounds into cassava starch composite matrix. Violuric acid (VA) was tested for its effect as a mediator for laccase treatment. Influence of different fiber, lignin and water contents of biocomposite was statistically investigated. The results showed that adding 15% (w/w) fibers into biocomposite at 44% (w/w) water content increased flexural strength and modulus for 4 times compared with the control. A combination of fibers+VA gave the greatest enhancement of modulus for 1140% and flexural strength for 375.8% as much as neat starch biocomposite. The presence of fibers, lignin and VA as mediator for laccase treatment substantially enhanced water resistance of starch biocomposite detected by a change in water drop contact angle on biocomposite surface.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, 25/25 Putthamonthon 4 Road, Salaya, Putthamonthon, Nakorn Pathom 73170, Thailand.
authors.forename: Siritorn
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Narkchamnan
authors.forename: Chularat
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sakdaronnarong
mesh_terms: D002482:Cellulose / Q000737:chemistry*; D006358:Hot Temperature; D042845:Laccase / Q000737:chemistry*; D008031:Lignin / Q000737:chemistry*; D002365:Manihot; D008422:Materials Testing; D012275:Oryza; D013213:Starch / Q000737:chemistry*; D013818:Thermogravimetry
chemical_list: D002482:Cellulose; D013213:Starch; D008031:Lignin; D042845:Laccase