Influence of a Plasticizer on the Mechanical Properties of Kenaf-Filled Chitosan Bio-Composites

Glycerol (Gy) and di-hydroxyl stearic acid (DHSA) were selected for potential plasticizers of kenaf filled chitosan bio-composites (KCB). Plasticized KCB at various concentrations of plasticizers (0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6%) were obtained by mixing using high speed homogenizer (10,000 to 29,000rpm) followed by simple casting. Soft and flexible film was obtained with Gy plasticizing system (GyPS) and hard and brittle film was produced with DHSA plasticizing system (DPS). GyPS films exhibit good elongation at break (EB). Films with DPS show good tensile strength (TS) and Young's modulus (YM) properties.