Abstract:
Given the world’s growing plastic demand and its damaging effects on the environment, it is vital to find an appropriate environmentally-friendly substitute like bioplastics. This study focused on the development and characterization of packaging material from sugarcane bagasse fibers reinforced with maize straw. The research investigated the differences in thermal stability, physical and chemical properties of the developed bioplastic films owing to their different compositions (based on the cellulose and fibre content). The ratios of cellulose to fibre content investigated in the current study regarding bioplastic production included 100:0,75:25, 50:50,25:75,0;100. The results from this study showed that the ratio of 75:25 (cellulose, maize straw: fibre, sugarcane bagasse) produced the best bioplastic film with the lowest water absorption (33%), slightly moist. Overall, this study highlights the potential of utilizing agricultural residues to create biodegradable and sustainable packaging material thus contributing to the advancement of green packaging materials.
