Influence of Filler Concentration on Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Whey Protein Isolate/Silica Biocomposite Film
Ika Zuwanna (a), Medyan Riza (b*), Sri Aprilia (b), Yanna Syamsuddin (b)

a) Doctoral Program, School of Engineering, Post Graduate Program, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
b) Department of Chemical Engineering, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
*medyan_riza[at]unsyiah.ac.ad

Abstract

During current history, biocomposite materials made from natural and renewable resources have attracted substantial attention due to growing awareness and demand for ecologically friendly solutions. In this study, different amounts of silica (SiO2) from rice husk ash (RHA) were added to whey protein isolate (WPI) (0, 1, 3, 5, and 7% w/w). The mechanical properties (tensile strength, elongation at break), thermal properties (thermogravimetric), and morphology (scanning electron microscopy) of the WPI/SiO2 biocomposite films were assessed. The results indicate that the mechanical strength ranges from 5.19 to 18.63 MPA, while the elongation ranges from 20.97 to 50.57%. At three temperature ranges, namely 38 to 50 C, 106 to 130 C, and 172 to 192 C, weight loss was seen. In addition, incorporation of SiO2 caused the morphology of the biocomposite film to become granular, more heterogeneous, and comprised of small particle aggregates. SiO2 filler has the potential to be employed in biocomposite films and can be utilized in a variety of food packaging applications.

Keywords: biocomposite- whey protein isolate- silica- mechanical properties- thermal properties

Topic: Engineering