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The Potentials of Corn Waste Lignocellulosic Fibre as an Improved Reinforced Bioplastic Composites

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Abstract

This review discusses the potentials of corn waste fibres as an alternative source of reinforcement to other natural fibres for bioplastic composites. The growing sustainability concern has urged the search for new composites and the potential exists to stimulate more research in bringing it to markets. Corn (Zea mays L.) waste fibres are lignocellulosic fibres that constituted of corn cob, corn husk, corn stalk and corn stover which are often discarded. Physico-chemical properties of the lignocellulosic fibres from different sources are compared. Studies on lignocellulosic fibre reinforced bioplastic composites and state-of-the-art of corn fibre reinforced composites are reviewed. The preparations of the fibres to form nanofibril, cellulose nanofibril and lignin-containing cellulose nanofibril are also discussed. Along with this, issues to improve fibre-plastic matrix compatibility through mechanical disintegration and surface modification treatment on fibre are also reported. This review shows that corn waste is suitable to be used as a reinforcement filler for bioplastic. Further treatment on the fibres could lead to improved properties of the composite for various applications.

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Abbreviations

APS:

3-Aminopropyltrithoxysilance

CNF:

Cellulosic nanofibril

LCNF:

Lignin-containing cellulosic nanofibril

PET:

Polyethylene terephthalate

PHA:

Polyhydroxyalkanoate

PHB:

Polyhydroxybutyrate

PLA:

Polylactic acid

TPS:

Thermoplastic starch

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge Curtin University Malaysia in supporting this research. 

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Curtin University, CDT 250, 98009, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia

    Ting Yen Chong & Yen San Chan

  2. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Curtin University, CDT 250, 98009, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia

    Ming Chiat Law

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  1. Ting Yen Chong
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Correspondence to Yen San Chan.

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Chong, T.Y., Law, M.C. & Chan, Y.S. The Potentials of Corn Waste Lignocellulosic Fibre as an Improved Reinforced Bioplastic Composites. J Polym Environ 29, 363–381 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-020-01888-4

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