The Effect of Sago Starch Filler Dispersion preparation on the Biodegradation Properties of Natural Rubber Latex Films

摘要

Sago starch dispersion was prepared by mechanical (ball milling) and chemical (reaction with alkali) processes in order to reduce the size of dispersed sago starch particles. The sago starch dispersion was compounded with natural rubber latex (NRL) as a filler and a NRL thin film was prepared by coagulant dipping technique. The ball milled sago starch (MSS) and alkali dispersed sago starch (CSS) filled NRL films were then subjected to soil burial test. The effect of the degradation process on weight loss percentages, surface morphologies, tensile strength behavior and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis of the starch filled NRL films were investigated. The utilization of sago starch dispersion prepared by alkali treatment showed the improvement in mechanical properties of NRL films compared to sago starch dispersion prepared by the ball milling method. From the results obtained, CSS/NRL films are more feasible to degrade compared to MSS/NRL films.