Reinforcement of Carrageenan/Starch Based Bio-Composite by Beads-Milled Chitosan

Abstract

Carrageenan/corn starch bio-composites is an important biodegradable composite as a substitute for conventional plastic and known as an environmentally friendly material. However, Carrageenan/corn starch bio-composite has poor mechanical properties. This paper reports the effect of chitosan NPs filler concentration on the properties of carrageenan/corn starch bio-composites. Chitosan suspension was prepared by beads mill method and characterized using PSA, SEM and FTIR. The performance of the obtained films was investigated on their mechanical, optical, thermal and transport properties. The result showed that the increased of additional of chitosan NPs caused improved on the tensile strength, WVTR, WPV, and temperature degradation of the bio-composite, but reduced their transparency. It is concluded that additional chitosan NPs able to reinforce carrageenan/corn starch bio-composites film.