Characterization and performance analysis of composite bioplastics synthesized using titanium dioxide nanoparticles with corn starch

Abstract

Plastic is an amazing material, and wonderful invention, it has changed the world. Plastic is used everywhere and every day across the globe. But despite its varied uses, its disposal has threatened the environment. Biodegradable plastics can meet these needs and can easily be disposed to the environment. This work focuses on the characterization and performance analysis of starch bioplastics and composite bioplastic to reduce the plastic pollution by its various uses. TGA, DSC, SEM, FTIR, and surface roughness analyses were used to characterize, the mechanical properties, thermal properties and the morphology of the starch bioplastics and composite bioplastic. Starch bioplastics were fabricated using starch vinegar and glycerol. Composite bioplastics ware fabricated using starch, vinegar, glycerol and titanium dioxide. The addition of titanium dioxide improved the tensile strength of the bioplastics from 3.55 to 3.95 MPa and decreased elongation from 88% to 62%. According to Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) Test, the melting point (T_m) and Glass Transition Temperature (T_g) significantly affected by the presence of titanium dioxide (TiO₂). The degree of nano-composite crystallinity was formed by the strong interfacial interaction between the titanium dioxide nanoparticles and the amorphous region of the chain. The decomposition temperature of starch bioplastic was increased by mixing with titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The results gained from SEM showed that better compatible morphologies in composite bioplastic compared to starch bioplastic for its fewer voids, holes, and crack. The functional group O-H, C-H, C=O, and C-O indicate the formation of starch bioplastics and composite bioplastics has already occurred which was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. The result is also verified with the available results of other researchers. Therefore, composite bioplastic is a modified elevation of a starch bioplastic with a modified upgrade feature. It can be an alternative to existing conventional plastic, especially packaging applications.

Keywords: Bioplastic; Characterization; Composite bioplastic; Materials chemistry; Materials science; Starch.

Fig. 1

Fabrication process of bioplastics.

Fig. 2

SEM photograph of starch bioplastic (A) Starch bioplastic (160 X), (B) Starch bioplastic (1800 X), (C) Presence of granules (650 X), (D) Presence of void (1600 X), (E)–(F) Presence of crack (6500 X).

Fig. 3

3D AFM micrographs with RMS roughness of starch bioplastic (A) Starch bioplastic (160 X), (B) Starch Bioplastic (1800 X), (C) Presence of granules (650 X), (D) Presence of void (1600 X), (E)–(F) Presence of crack (6500 X).

Fig. 4

The SEM photograph of composite bioplastic (A) Composite bioplastic (100 X), (B) Composite bioplastic (160 X), (C) Presence of granules (650 X), (D) Presence of non-gelatinized TiO2 granules (3000 X), (E) Composite bioplastic (1600 X), (F) Presence of edge (900 X), (G)–(I) Presence of crack and grooves, (J)–(L) Rough surface with some grooves.

Fig. 5

3D AFM micrographs with RMS roughness of composite bioplastic(A) Composite bioplastic (100 X), (B) Composite bioplastic (160 X), (C) Presence of granules (650 X), (D) Presence of non-gelatinized TiO2 granules (3000 X), (E) Composite bioplastic (1600 X), (F) Presence of edge (900 X), (G)–(I) Presence of crack and grooves, (J)–(L) Rough surface with some grooves.

Fig. 6

FTIR of starch bioplastic and composite bioplastic.

Fig. 7

TGA curves for starch bioplastic and composite bioplastic.

Fig. 8

DSC thermograms of starch bioplastic and composite bioplastic.

Fig. 9

Stress vs. strain curve for starch bioplastic and composite bioplastic.

Fig. 10

The surface roughness of (A) Starch bioplastic (B) composite bioplastic.

Fig. 11

Physical Appearance of starch bioplastic and composite bioplastic samples before burial.

Fig. 12

Degradation of starch bioplastic and composite bioplastic.