Preparation and Characterization of Biodegradable Films From Sago Starch and Chitosan Blends

Several blends were prepared based on sago starch, chitosan in the presence of glycerol as a plasticizer using a solvent casting technique. The blends and their performance films were characterised by Fourier transform infrared analysis (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and oxygen permeability test. The blended films were flexible and homogeneous on microscopic scale. The FTIR spectra showed that the interaction of the blend component was only a physical interaction and there was no new bond formed in the blends. DSC was used to study the glass transition temperatures of sago starch and chitosan blend films. DSC experiment provides further evidence of physical interaction. Biodegradability study of the films was carried out using “soil burial” method. The biodegradation rate of starch-based films was found to be dependent mainly on the amount of starch incorporated in the film, while increasing chitosan composition increased its anti microbial property. Higher starch concentration and higher plasticization degree increased the permanence of starch phase significantly and enhance the rate of weight loss. Holes were detected on the surface of the films as a consequence of starch consumption by microorganisms. The oxygen gas permeability of sago starch, chitosan, and their blend films was examined using the permeability console and permeability cell apparatus. The results indicated that both sago starch and chitosan films have low oxygen permeability. However, it was found that the oxygen gas permeability coefficient values were increased at higher temperature. Film of chitosan showed highest permeability than the other films in blending. It was observed that oxygen gas permeability coefficient values of the film blends increased with increasing glycerol content.

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