Synthesis and Characterization of Peanut Husk Cellulose-Based Bioplastic Film

Wong, Siew Munn (2024) Synthesis and Characterization of Peanut Husk Cellulose-Based Bioplastic Film. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

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Abstract

The aim of this project was to extract cellulose from peanut husks and synthesize cellulose-based bioplastic film. The extracted cellulose was characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) to investigate its purity and properties. Beside this, the effect of different compositions of chitosan as a reinforcing filler, different compositions of sorbitol as plasticizers and the addition of acetic acid were studied to determine their impact on the water absorptivity, thermal properties, mechanical properties and biodegradability of the peanut husk cellulose-based bioplastic films. Firstly, to synthesize the bioplastic films, chitosan was used in compositions of 10 wt.%, 20 wt.%, 30 wt.%, 35 wt.% and 40 wt.%, with a fixed sorbitol composition of 30 wt.%, while using water as a vehicle. After determining the optimum chitosan composition, sorbitol added into the bioplastic films was varied at 10 wt.%, 20 wt.%, 30 wt.%, 35 wt.% and 40 wt.%. Water was then replaced with 0.6 M acetic acid after the optimum ratios of chitosan and sorbitol were determined. All the bioplastic films were characterized using FT-IR spectroscopy, water absorption test, DSC analysis, TGA, tensile testing and biodegradability tests. The study found that increasing the amount of chitosan enhanced the mechanical properties and thermal stability of the films, while increasing sorbitol decreased the glass transition temperature for better processability and increased the biodegradability rate. Adding acetic acid to the bioplastic films decreased water absorptivity and further enhanced the mechanical properties of bioplastic film. Overall, the bioplastic film with a composition of 30 wt.% chitosan, 20 w.% sorbitol and acetic acid as the vehicle showed the best properties. These included low water absorptivity, high elasticity with decreased tensile strength and increased elongation, moderate biodegradability, glass transition, melting and degradation temperatures.