International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

E-ISSN: 2582-2160     Impact Factor: 9.24

A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

Call for Paper Volume 7, Issue 4 (July-August 2025) Submit your research before last 3 days of August to publish your research paper in the issue of July-August.

Corn (Zea mays) Cob Fiber as a Sustainable Reinforcing Material for Thermoplastic Starch

Author(s) Mr. Albert Berboso Tolentino
Country Philippines
Abstract In response to the growing environmental threat posed by plastic and agricultural waste, this study investigated the potential of corn (Zea mays) cob fiber as reinforcement for thermoplastic starch (TPS). The research aimed to determine the effect of incorporating corn cob fiber at varying concentrations (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%) into thermoplastic potato starch on water absorption, water solubility, and moisture content. Corn cob fibers were extracted using an alkali treatment with sodium hydroxide and then blended with a starch–glycerol matrix to form biocomposite films. Results revealed that increasing the percentage of corn cob fiber generally led to reduced water absorption and solubility, although irregularities were observed at 5% concentrations. Moisture content also declined slightly with higher fiber additions, indicating improved water resistance. However, the absence of a coupling agent such as Methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) may have limited the bonding efficiency between the starch and fiber, resulting in statistically insignificant differences across samples. While corn cob fiber showed promise in modifying hydrophilic properties of TPS, further studies are necessary to enhance compatibility and mechanical performance. This research highlights the sustainable potential of agricultural waste in bioplastic development and contributes to ongoing efforts in biodegradable material innovation.
Keywords corn cob, thermoplastic, fiber, extraction, reinforcement
Field Physical Science
Published In Volume 7, Issue 3, May-June 2025
Published On 2025-06-25
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i03.48949
Short DOI https://doi.org/g9rn6q

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