Coconut residue fiber and modified coconut residue fiber on biodegradable composite foam properties

The objectives of this research focused on the effect of coconut residue fiber (CRF) and modified coconut residue fiber (MCRF) on biodegradable composite foam properties based on cassava starch. Compression molding was used to prepare the composite foam shape. The biodegradable composite foam was cross linked by 0.5%wt boric acid. Coconut residue fiber had the structure modified to carboxymethyl cellulose by reacting with monochloroacetic acid in isopropanol and 40%wt NaOH solution in order to obtain the modified coconut residue fiber. CRF and MCRF were loaded to biodegradable composite foam at different concentrations at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8%wt and 0, 2, 4, 6%wt respectively. The different concentrations of CRF and MCRF impacted on biodegradable composite foam properties. The density was decreased with increased CRF contents at 2%wt MCRF and it improved the mechanical properties such as hardness and tensile strength. However, biodegradable composite foam showed low stability after immersed in water. MCRF increased the compatibility of CRF and starch phases that were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Moreover, foam porosity distribution was increased, with improved moisture absorption and stability in water. 4%wt and 6%wt MCRF improved the mechanical properties but also increased the foam density and decreased the %soil degradation in soil. Therefore, the best performing biodegradable composite foam was produced with 2%wt MCRF mixed with 6%wt CRF and gave good properties for foam packaging applications. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the 5th International Conference on Smart Materials and Nanotechnology.