Studies on the structure and properties of thermoplastic starch/luffa fiber composites

Thermoplastic starch (TPS)/luffa fiber composites were prepared using compression molding. The luffa fiber contents ranged from 0 wt.% to 20 wt.%. The tensile strength of the TPS/luffa fiber composite with 10 wt.% of luffa fiber had a twofold increase compared to TPS. The temperature values of maximum weight loss of the TPS/luffa fiber composites were higher than for TPS. The water absorption of the TPS/luffa fiber composites decreased significantly when the luffa fiber contents increased. The strength of adhesion between the luffa fiber and the TPS matrix was clearly demonstrated by their compatibility presumably due to their similar chemical structures as shown by scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra.

► Thermoplastic starch/luffa fiber composites were prepared using compression molding.
► The tensile strengths of the composites were higher than for thermoplastic starch.
► Degradation temperatures of the composites were higher than for thermoplastic starch.
► Luffa fiber decreases the water absorption of TPS.