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The purpose of this study was to investigate mechanical and biodegradation
properties of bioplastic from pure cornstarch (with no additional reinforcing components).
The following fabrication procedure was done: (1) diluting cornstarch in water, (2) making
homogeneous mixture of the diluted cornstarch, glycerol, and acetic acid by heating at less
than 100.C, (3) molding process, and (4) drying process to get a solid bioplastic. The present
bioplastic had good biodegradability properties, degraded easily within 2-week soaking in
water, confirmed by the weight loss and appearance of fungi on its surface. Good mechanical
performance was obtained although it is still low compared to the standard bioplastic in
moderate grade. Indeed, additional reinforcing components (e.g., co-polymer or additive) is
required for improving the mechanical properties.
Keywords: bioplastics, cornstarch, education, tensile strength, young's modulus |
full paper (pdf, 944 Kb)