Impact of Starch-Based Bioplastic Film Reinforced with Alkaline Treated Lemongrass Fibre and Lemongrass Essential Oil on the Barrier and Mechanical Properties

Abstract

Bioplastic has been gaining interest over the years to replace the used of synthetic plastic especially in food packaging application due to its biodegradable nature and non-toxicity feature. However, their lack in mechanical properties and water sensitivity retards it wide application. In this research, starch-based composite bioplastics film is prepared using solution casting method, which composed of alkaline treated lemongrass fibre (2-10 wt%) and lemongrass essential oil (1-3%) as the reinforcement material. Fiber characterization was conducted to evaluate the structural, thermal and morphology of the treated fibre. The effect reinforcement on barrier and mechanical properties of the bioplastic film was investigated. Results indicated that treated lemongrass fibre improve the surface texture of lemongrass fibre that enables it to integrate well with the starch matrix. It can be observed by the improvement of mechanical properties of reinforced bioplastic film up to 2.5MPa. Th incorporation of lemongrass essential oil significantly enhanced barrier properties of the reinforced bioplastic by reducing the water uptake up to 30%.  Findings indicate that the starch-based bioplastic were suitable for food packaging application.