SUSTAINABLE BIO-COMPOSITES BASED ON AMURA STARCH AND SUGARCANE BAGASSE: MECHANICAL, THERMAL, AND MOISTURE PERFORMANCE
Starch is particularly attractive due to its abundance, low cost, and inherent biodegradability. When processed with plasticizers into thermoplastic starch (TPS), starch can be melt processed similarly to conventional plastics, however, the challenge remains that TPS typically exhibits inferior mechanical strength, thermal stability, and moisture resistance compared to petrol-based polymers. In this study, bio-composites were produced using Tacca leontopetaloides (Amura) starch as a bio-polymer matrix, glycerol as a plasticizer, and sugarcane bagasse powder (BGP) as lignocellulosic reinforcement. Six formulations (0�2.5 wt% BGP with constant 5 mL glycerol) were synthesized and characterized for their structural, mechanical, thermal, and moisture-resistance properties. To Examined the composite; FTIR, XRD, TGA, tensile, hardness, and moisture absorption were used. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed hydrogen bonding interactions between the hydroxyl groups of starch and cellulose, indicating strong interfacial adhesion. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed that bagasse incorporation induced partial crystallinity within the amorphous starch�glycerol matrix. The tensile strength increased with filler loading, peaking at 2 % BGP (? 2.5 MPa), accompanied by improved hardness (6.7 HV) and reduced ductility, signifying optimal reinforcement and uniform dispersion. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) demonstrated enhanced thermal stability and delayed onset of degradation with increasing BGP content. Moisture absorption declined to 11.85 % at 2.0 % BGP due to strong starch�cellulose hydrogen bonding, which limited water diffusion. The results indicate that the most optimal biocomposite, in terms of tensile, Moisture absorption and, thermal stability was achieved with 2 % BGP sample. These findings underscore the potential of Amura starch�bagasse composites as sustainable replacements for single-use plastics in packaging and lightweight applications. The obtained results imply that sugarcane bagasse, combined with amura starch, and glycerol can serve as an effective, biodegradable food packaging material, with potential of addressing impact of conventional plastics on environment.
Authors : Abdulmalik, S.S., Muhammad, J.Y. and Bala, A.
Category : Open Access Volume (Issue) : 11(2) Date Uploaded : 1st January 2026