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Production and characterization of starch‐based films reinforced by ramie nanofibers ( Boehmeria nivea )
Author(s) -
Marques Geovana Silva,
Carvalho Guilherme Ribeiro,
Marinho Nelson Potenciano,
Muniz Graciela Inês Bolzón,
Matos Jorge Luiz Mário,
Jorge Regina Maria Matos
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of applied polymer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.575
H-Index - 166
eISSN - 1097-4628
pISSN - 0021-8995
DOI - 10.1002/app.47919
Subject(s) - ramie , materials science , nanofiber , ultimate tensile strength , solubility , composite material , cellulose , starch , polymer , chemical engineering , fiber , chemistry , organic chemistry , engineering
In this study, the use of cellulose nanofibers from ramie, a plant species with important characteristics of reinforcement, was investigated in the production of bio‐based polymer films. A central composite rotatable design was applied to produce the films, analyze the effects of cassava starch, glycerol, and nanofibers content on their properties, obtain mathematical models, response surface plots, and determine an optimum composition. The films produced were characterized by mechanical properties, water vapor permeability (WVP), solubility, and opacity. Microstructure and thermal behavior were also evaluated. The ramie nanofibers content had a positive effect on mechanical and barrier properties, as it increased tensile strength by 207.9%, and decreased WVP and solubility by 52.9 and 72.9%, respectively. Furthermore, the obtained films exhibited homogeneous and cohesive structures, which encourages the use of ramie nanofibers as a reinforcement material in the production of green plastics. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136 , 47919.