Polymers, Vol. 16, Pages 1108: Novel Biocomposite of Starch and Flax Fiber Modified with Tannic Acid with Biocidal Properties

Polymers, Vol. 16, Pages 1108: Novel Biocomposite of Starch and Flax Fiber Modified with Tannic Acid with Biocidal Properties

Polymers doi: 10.3390/polym16081108

Authors: Magdalena Stepczyńska Piotr Rytlewski Krzysztof Moraczewski Alona Pawłowska Tomasz Karasiewicz

The purpose of this paper was to develop novel biocomposites with biocidal properties in microorganisms, with enhanced mechanical strength and hydrophobicity as well as with increased biodegradation rates. The main idea and the novelty of this work was to use cross-linking compounds and, at the same time, biocidal compounds—natural compounds of plant origin with biocidal properties. The authors assumed that the modification of flax fiber by natural plant compound will reduce the hydrophilicity of novel biocompositie. Biopolymer based on thermoplastic starch reinforced with flax fibres modified with tannic acid (TA) was prepared by extrusion and injection molding processes. The effects of TA modification on the mechanical and structural properties of biocomposites were analyzed through DMA, tensile tests, DSC, and TG. The biocidal and wettability properties of the biocomposites were investigated. The article also discusses the outcomes of research conducted on the structural characteristics and rates of the biodegradation of biocomposites.