Development and characterization of gelatinized starch doped microcellulose paper from tender coconut (Cocos nucifera L) husk

Cellulose-starch based composite papers are could be used as packaging materials due to their biodegradable and renewable properties. In this study, biodegradable composite paper were developed from tender coconut husk with starch as an additive. Potato and corn starch were added to the matrix at a ratio of 5%, 10% and 15% and were evaluated for the mechanical, physical, and structural properties as well as the biodegradability of the biocomposite paper. The tensile strength and the elongation percentage of the developed biocomposite paper varied from 12.45 +/- 1.69 MPa to 9.52 +/- 4.30 MPa and 9.76 +/- 0.99% to 15.52 +/- 3.27% respectively. The results indicate a decreasing trend in tensile strength with increasing starch concentration, attributed to reduced hydrogen bonding density. Moisture content analysis shows no significant difference between starch types. The composition of the paper was analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The outcomes demonstrated the existence of robust interactions between the hydroxyl groups of starch and cellulose of coconut husk matrix. Moreover, the material showed a degradation rate of approximately 70% within a 20-day period, demonstrating its suitability for the production of biodegradable material. This study suggests that tender coconut husk is a promising material for the production of paper intended for packaging applications.