Evaluations of the mechanical and physical properties of galangal root-poly(butylene-succinate) (PBS)-based biocomposite

Abstract

Various agricultural waste materials, such as cassava stems, pineapple leaves, banana peels, and corn pulp, were developed into natural biodegradable packaging, adding value to the agricultural waste. Hence, this research aimed to develop the biocomposites and inspect their mechanical and physical properties. Fresh galangal root waste was washed and dried at 80°C for 12 hours and then ground to achieve a particle size of 250 microns (GR250) and 400 microns (GR400). Then, they were mixed with PBS at the ratio of PBS: GR250 at 80:20 wt.%. Later, the mixtures were passed through the extruder, and the plastic strands were obtained. Later, these plastic strands were shredded into small pellets called biocomposite pellets. These pellets were formed by heat at 150°C for 5 minutes under a pressure of 10 MPa to obtain the biocomposite specimens. Then, they were assessed the mechanical properties (tensile strength, impact strength, and flexural strength). Also, the physical properties (water absorption, density, morphology, and percentage of natural degradation) were performed. The results could imply that adding GR250 and GR400 into PBS-based biocomposite could cause reductions in structural integrity and elasticity. PBS/GR biocomposites would assert less impact force. The results could reflect that PBS/GR250 and PBS/GR400 biocomposites had more ability to resist bending stresses than neat PBS. PBS/GR400 biocomposites tended to degrade faster, as supported by microstructure observation and lower density compared to PBS/GR250. It could be concluded that the galangal root waste could be added value by developing into a based-biocomposite. Galangal root waste can produce biocomposite food containers that can resist bending stresses. Biocomposite food containers have a natural biodegradable property and environmentally friendly aspects.