Tensile properties and thermal analysis of Chlorella algae filled PLA biofilm / Sharifah Diyana Saihah Syed Danial Haris

Global plastic waste pollution is a result of rising plastic waste production worldwide. Unavoidably, a different approach to lower this pollution is required. A whole solution does not consist just of increasing the recycling of plastic waste. Furthermore, a key component of sustainability is reducing the use of fossil-based plastic. Bio-based plastics are becoming more and more popular as a substitute for fossil-based polymers on the market. According to studies, biological feedstocks rather than fossil fuels can be used to produce goods with comparable performance characteristics. In particular, the creation of bioplastics from microalgae is a potential opportunity that should be investigated and enhanced. This study investigates the mechanical and physical characteristics of a bioplastic made from green algae and polylactic acid (PLA). In addition, this analysis identifies the possible compatibility of employing algae and PLA as a nonwoven composite to replace synthetic polymers that are not biodegradable. Additionally, this study examines the extent to which the adhesion between the matrix (PLA) and filler (algae) in biofilm composite may be exploited for end-uses purposes, as well as the underlying variables (concentrations of PLA and Chlorella) affecting the thermal and mechanical characteristics of the PLA-algae nonwoven composite. Tensile test shows the increasing of bioplastic tensile strength up to 13.186 N/mm2. Thermal analysis by thermogravimetric analysis shows the thermal stability by monitoring the mass loss. Fourier transform infrared analysis shows that there are cross linkages between Chlorella and PLA. The film's performance may hint at its potential to be employed as bioplastic.