Development and Analysis of Completely Biodegradable Cellulose/Banana Peel Powder Composite Films

Abstract

With an aim to replace the synthetic non-biodegradable polymer composites in packaging applications, the Cellulose/Banana Peel Powder biocomposite films were prepared by regeneration method with varying concentrations of BPP (5wt.% to 25wt.%) in cellulose matrix. The biocomposite films were characterized by polarized optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and tensile testing. The distribution of the BPP filler in the matrix was found to be uniform. The tensile strength and thermal stability of the biocomposites increased with increasing filler content. Based on the better tensile and thermal properties, these films can be potentially used for packaging applications.

Keywords

• cellulose
• banana peel powder
• tensile properties
• thermal stability