Preparation and characterization of Cassava starch/Polybutylene (adipate-co-terephthalate) biodegradable composite film

Abstract

Extruded biodegradable films based on Poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and Cassava starch (CS) at varying weights were prepared, and their relevant properties for packaging applications are here reported. Neither the peak position nor the intensity of the film’s distinctive infrared absorption peaks was altered by the addition of CS to PBAT. Therefore, adding CS to PBAT is solely a physical process. Experimental results show that the increase in CS content, the tensile strength, elongation at break, and the tear resistance of the composite are decreased. The "30% CS” included composite film was selected as the optimized composition since it is cost-effective while acquiring the required physical properties to be a better fit as a packaging material. However, the overall migration of residue on the surface of the “30% CS/PBAT” sample wasn’t in the acceptable range (<10 mg/dm2). Therefore, the developed product is suitable for use as a packaging material except for food packaging. Thus, the extrusion process needs to be further modified to be used as food packaging.