Evaluation of Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Husk Fibre as a Potential Reinforcing Material for Bioplastic Production

Evaluation of Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Husk Fibre as a Potential Reinforcing Material for Bioplastic Production

Omoniyi A. Babalola, Abel O. Olorunnisola

Abstract. In this study the potential use of coconut husk (Cocos nucifera) husk fibre for the reinforcement of bio-plastic produced with cassava (Manihot utilissima) starch was investigated. Five compositions of the bioplastics were formulated containing 0% (control), 5%. 10%, 15% and 20% of coconut husk fibre. The tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, impact energy, water absorption, and biodegradability of the fibre-reinforced bioplastic samples were then determined in accordance with standard methods. Results obtained showed that the tensile strength values ranged from 0.36 to 0.68MPa; while the modulus of elasticity ranged from 2.7 x106 to 4.9 x106 N/m2. The impact energy range was 1.73 – 3.7 J. Analysis of variance showed that coconut husk fibre content had a significant effect on the tensile strength. The impact energy increased with an increase in fibre content up to 15%. Also, water absorption (27.3 – 42.9%) increased with an increase in fibre content. The bioplastics were biodegraded within one month of grave yard test. The optimum fibre reinforcement level was found to be 10%. This may, however, be increased to 15% for impact resistance improvement.

Keywords
coconut husk, bioplastic, cassava starch, biodegradable materials

Published online 4/20/2019, 6 pages
Copyright © 2019 by the author(s)
Published under license by Materials Research Forum LLC., Millersville PA, USA

Citation: Omoniyi A. Babalola, Abel O. Olorunnisola, Evaluation of Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Husk Fibre as a Potential Reinforcing Material for Bioplastic Production, Materials Research Proceedings, Vol. 11, pp 195-200, 2019

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644900178-14

The article was published as article 14 of the book By-Products of Palm Trees and Their Applications

Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 licence. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.

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