The Use of New Waste-Based Plasticizer Made from Modified Used Palm Oil for Non-Glutinous Thermoplastic Starch Foam

A novel waste-based plasticizer derived from modified used palm oil (mUPO) was successfully developed and has been used as a new plasticizer to non-glutinous thermoplastic starch foam to improve their properties. The molecular weight and hydroxyl number of the mUPO was 3150 g/mol and 192.19 mgOH/g, respectively. The effects of mUPO content ranging from 0 to 9 phr were investigated. The results revealed that the optimal mUPO content as an additive was 6 wt%. The addition of mUPO had a direct effect on the mechanical properties and thermal properties. The impact strength increased from 1.30 to 4.55 J/m, while the glass transition temperature (T-g) decreased from 70.83 to 66.50 degrees C by increasing mUPO from 0 phr to 6 phr in the thermoplastic starch foam. The mUPO, on the other hand, has also the potential to reduce shrinkage from 33.91 to 21.77% and moisture absorption from 5.93 to 1.73% by increasing the content from 0 phr to 6 phr in starch foam. Furthermore, the mUPO helps the forming of the foam structure as measured by SEM, and the mUPO utilization of waste-based material could be a promising green alternative plasticizer for starch components, especially starch foam applications.

Automated summary

A novel waste-based plasticizer derived from modified used palm oil (mUPO) has been developed and used as a plasticizer to improve the properties of non-glutinous thermoplastic starch foam. The addition of mUPO has a direct effect on mechanical and thermal properties, increasing impact strength and reducing glass transition temperature. It also reduces shrinkage and moisture absorption in the starch foam. The utilization of mUPO as a waste-based material shows promise as a green alternative plasticizer for starch components, especially in foam applications.