Preparation and characterization of short sisal fiber reinforced chitin (CN)/starch (ST) ternary blend

Abstract

In the present work, a novel series of ternary blends Chitin(CN)/Starch(ST)/Cellulose fiber(CF) were prepared in different ratios (1:1:1, 1:2:1, and 2:1:1) in the presence of cross-linking agent glutaraldehyde. The prepared ternary blends were characterized using FTIR, XRD, TGA and SEM. From the FTIR results, the shift in peaks to higher wavenumber confirms the formation of blend. XRD studies were conducted to find out the amorphous or crystalline nature of the ternary blend. XRD analysis revealed in the presence of cross-linking agent glutaraldehyde enhances the amorphous nature of the ternary blend. The TGA result shows the thermal stability for the blends prepared in the presence of glutaraldehyde. The preliminary studies supported that the ternary blend formed in the presence of cross-linking agent is suitable for heavy metal removal.