Degradability of kenaf dust-filled chitosan biocomposites

Degradability of environmentally friendly of kenaf dust-filled chitosan biocomposites was investigated. Biocomposites of chitosan/kenaf was prepared via solution blending method. Diluted acetic acid was used as solvent for dissolving the chitosan powder. High speed homogenizer was used to assist the dispersion of kenaf dust in chitosan solution. Five types of composites containing different amounts of kenaf dust; 0%, 7%, 14%, 21% and 28% were fabricated. Degradability of each composites were evaluated against seven different solutions; (0.1, 0.5, 1.0) M of H2SO4, (0.1, 0.5, 1.0) M of NaOH and distilled water. Degradation behaviors were evaluated based on percent of weight gain, percent of water absorption and degree of swelling. It was noted that, chitosan film which contains higher kenaf dust content showed greater stability against seven different solutions due to lower degree of swelling compared to chitosan film having lesser amount of kenaf dust. It was observed that the composites showed greater resistance towards alkaline and acidic solution as compared to distilled water. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.