Fabrication and characterization of ecofriendly Taro starch bioplastic composite films reinforced with coffee husk and enset fiber for packaging applications

This study developed bioplastic composite films (BPCFs) from Taro starch reinforced with coffee husk (CH) and Enset fiber (EF) for packaging application. BPCFs were prepared by melting starch, glycerol, and vinegar, with fiber loading ratios ranging from 0 to 10 wt.%. The physicochemical properties of BPCFs were characterized by using XRD, FTIR, SEM, TGA, and UTM techniques. The XRD analysis of Taro starch (TS) revealed A-type crystal structure with 26.68% crystallinity index. The FTIR spectra exhibited the intermolecular interaction in BPCFs occurred through various functional groups. SEM images showed a strong interfacial interaction and biocompatibility between the TS matrix and reinforcement fiber, resulting in enhanced tensile strength. The thermostability of BPCFs indicates their suitability for packaging applications. The density and thickness of BPCFs increased with an increase in fiber concentration. Conversely, the moisture content decreased with an increase in fiber content, attributed to the hydrophobic nature of the highly crystalline cellulose fiber. The BPCFs demonstrated superior strength compared to starch-based bioplastic, with a tensile strength of up to 6 wt.% (8.76 MPa) and reduced elongation. There was a maximum weight loss of 89% and 71% observed for TS-based bioplastic and its BPCFs respectively after 60 days. Biodegradability and water absorption were increased with the increase in the number of days, which shows the material’s biodegradable properties.