Development of Lignin Modified Tapioca Starch for Biodegradable Film

• Main Author: Rozman, Hannan
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS 2011
• Subjects: TP Chemical technology
• Online Access: http://utpedia.utp.edu.my/9545/1/2011%20Bachelor%20-Development%20Of%20Lignin%20Modified%20Tapioca%20Starch%20For%20Biodegradable%20Film.pdf; http://utpedia.utp.edu.my/9545/

The objective of the present investigation is to synthesize starch/Iignin film, a new starch based polymer and to evaluate its application in the design of controlled release fertilizer. The properties of the film were compared with different ratio of lignin content. Starch/Iignin polymer was synthesized by gelatinlzation of starch in the presence of urea, borax and lignin. Thermal Gravitational Analyzer (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffusion (XRD), and Universal Testing Machine (UTM) are used to evaluate the influence of lignin content on the film mechanical and thermal properties. The film was prepared by using solution casting method composed of tapioca starch mixed with lignin. Other tests such as biodegradability test and water absorption test have been performed and it is shown that lignin actually reduced the water affinity ofthe films. The results prove that the water-uptake of these blends could be reduced Midthat simultaneously stiffer materials with a less pronounced degradation rate can be obtained.