Development of cellulosic bioplastic-based biocomposites for biodegradable packaging applications: Effect of high acetyl content and high filler loading

Accordingly, this work explores the influence of inorganic fillers (mineral fillers) on cellulosic plastic (plasticized cellulose acetate (pCA)) to evaluate its potential as a sustainable substitute to conventional petroleum-based plastics for rigid packaging. Cellulose acetate (CA) was plasticized using an eco-friendly plasticizer, triacetin, which broadened the narrow processing window of CA and helped in achieving stable melt extrusion.

The addition of Luperox® (organic peroxide) further facilitated process stability during melt compounding. The composites were processed via extrusion followed by injection molding. Calcium carbonate (CaCO3), kaolin and talc, were incorporated as fillers and their influence on the thermal, mechanical, rheological, dimensional and barrier properties of pCA composites were analyzed.