Preparation and Characterization of Thermoplastic Starch from Sugar Palm (Arenga pinnata) by Extrusion Method

Sugar palm(Arenga pinnata)starch is considered an important renewable,biodegradable,and eco-friendly polymer,which is derived from agricultural by-products and residues,with great potential for the development of biocomposite materials.This research was aimed at investigating the development of TPS biocomposites from A.pinnata palm starch using an extrusion process.Palm starch,glycerol,and stearic acid were extruded in a twin-screw extruder.Scanning electron microscopy(SEM)analysis of TPS showed that the starch granules were damaged and gelatinized in the extrusion process.The density of TPS was 1.3695 g/mL,lower than that of palm starch,and the addition of stearic acid resulted in increased TPS density.X-ray diffraction(XRD)results showed that palm starch had a C-type pattern crystalline structure.The tensile strength,elongation at break,and modulus of elasticity of TPS were 7.19 MPa,33.95%,and 0.56 GPa,respectively.The addition of stearic acid reduced the tensile strength,elongation at break and modulus of elasticity of TPS.The rheological properties,i.e.,melt flow rate(MFR)and viscosity of TPS,were 7.13 g/10 min and 2482.19 Pa.s,respectively.The presence of stearic acid in TPS resulted in increased MFR and decreased viscosity values.The peak gelatinization temperature of A.pinnata palm starch was 70°C,while Tg of TPS was 65°C.The addition of stearic acid reduced the Tg of TPS.The thermogravimetric analysis(TGA)analysis showed that the addition of glycerol and stearic acid decreased the thermal stability,but extended the temperature range of thermal degradation.TPS derived from A.pinnata palm starch by extrusion method has the potential to be applied in industrial practice as a promising raw material for manufacturing bio-based packaging as a sustainable and green alternative to petroleum-based plastics.

Effect of PEG Incorporation on Physicochemical and in vitro Degradation of PLLA/PDLLA Blends:Application in Biodegradable Implants

Polyethylene glycol(PEG)was added at different concentrations to the blend of poly(L-lactic acid)(PLLA)and poly(D,L-lactic acid)(PDLLA)to tailor the properties.The differential scanning calorimetry(DSC)measurement showed that all blends were miscible due to shifting a single glass transition temperature into a lower temperature for increasing PEG content.The DSC,FTIR,and XRD results implied the crystallinity enhancement for PEG content until 8 wt%,then decreased at 12 wt%PEG.The XRD result indicated the homo crystalline phase formation in all blends and no stereocomplex crystal.The in vitro degradation study indicated that PEG content is proportional to the degradation rate.The highest weight loss after 28 days was achieved at 12 wt%PEG.The FTIR analysis showed a structural evolution overview during hydrolytic degradation,viz.increasing and decreasing crystallinity during 14 days for the blend without and with PEG,respectively.In conclusion,the PEG addition increased crystallinity and degradation rate of the PLLA/PDLLA mixture,but PEG higher amounts led to a decrease in crystallinity,and the weight loss was intensified.This can be useful for tuning PLA-based biomaterials with the desired physicochemical properties and appropriate degradation rates for applications in drug delivery/tissue engineering.