Differential Scanning Calorimetry Analysis of Untreated and Treated Poly (Lactic Acid)/Guinea Corn (Sorghum bicolor) Husk Particulate Bio-Composites
Authors: Shehu U, Mat Taib R, Ishiaku US, Aponbiede O, Ause T
DOI Info: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6720046
ABSTRACT
In response to the environmental concerns posed by synthetic non-degradable polymeric packaging materials, efforts are being devoted to developing bio-degradable packaging materials that are based on green and sustainable resources. As a class of green materials, poly (lactic acid) (PLA) has received extensive attention. In this work, PLA was filled with guinea-corn (Sorghum bicolor) husk particulates (GHP) to produce biocomposites, and thereafter analysed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The plain PLA was plasticized by Biomax strong (PLABM). Formulations of the composites were produced with untreated GHP and those treated with sodium hydroxide, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and a combination of both treatments varying the filler composition from 10 to 40 wt% at 10 wt% interval. This was achieved by melt-mixing using extrusion and pelletizing followed by injection moulding. The composites produced were subjected to DSC thermal analysis. Result of the analysis reveals that the glass transition temperature (Tg) of PLABM was 60 °C and its melting temperature (Tm) was 150 °C. The degree of crystallinity was found to be 12.66%. It was also observed that percentage GHP loading of the composite does not substantially affect its processing temperature. The composites produced were bio-degradable and suitable for short-term use or indoor application.
Affiliations: Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
Keywords: Poly (lactic Acid), Guinea Corn Husk Particulate, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Glass Transition Temperature, Melting Tempe
Published date: 2022/06/30
