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1.
The biodegradation of electrospun nano-fibers of poly(-caprolactone) (PCL) was initially investigated with respect to the environmental application of PCL non-woven fabrics, using pure-cultured soil filamentous fungi, Aspergillus oryzae, Penicillium caseicolum, P. citrinum, Mucor sp., Rhizopus sp., Curvularia sp., and Cladosporium sp. Three kinds of non-woven PCL fabrics with different mean fiber diameters (330, 360, and 510 nm) were prepared by changing the viscosities of the pre-spun PCL solutions (150, 210, and 310 cPs, respectively). All of the pure-line soil filamentous fungi tested grew on the two fiber materials. Electron microscopy was used to observe the biodegradation processes revealing remarkable growth of two fungi, Rhizopus sp. and Mucor sp., along with the accompanying collapse of the nano-fiber matrices. In the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) test, the biodegradation of the 330 nm PCL nano-fibers by Rhizopus sp. and Mucor sp. exceeded 20 and 30% carbon dioxide generation, respectively. The biodegradability of the PCL non-woven fabrics decreased with the mean fiber diameter and the 330 nm PCL nano-fiber that was made from 150 cPs solution (concentration, 7 wt%) exhibited the highest biodegradability. These results might offer some clues for the applications of the PCL non-woven fabrics having the controlled biodegradability in the environmental uses. 相似文献
2.
This paper discusses the results of biodegradability tests of natural fibers used by the automotive industry, namely: coir,
coir with latex, and sisal. The biodegradation of coir, coir with latex, and of sisal fibers was determined by monitoring
the production of carbon dioxide (CO2) (IBAMA—E.1.1.2, 1988) and fungal growth (DIN 53739, 1984). The contents of total extractives, lignin, holocellulose, ashes,
carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen of the fibers under study were determined in order to ascertain their actual content and to
understand the results of the biodegradation tests. The production of CO2 indicated low biodegradation, i.e., about 10% in mass, for all the materials after 45 days of testing; in other words, no
material inhibited glucose degradation. However, the percentage of sisal fiber degradation was fourfold higher than that of
coir with latex in the same period of aging. The fungal growth test showed a higher growth rate on sisal fibers, followed
by coir without latex. In the case of coir with latex, we believe the fungal growth was not intense, because natural latex
produces a bactericide or fungicide for its preservation during bleeding [1]. An evaluation of the materials after 90 days of aging tests revealed breaking of the fibers, particularly sisal and coir
without latex, indicating fungal attack and biodegradation processes. 相似文献
3.
This study presents the effect of biodegradation, in a composting medium, on properties of membrane-like crosslinked and noncrosslinked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and nanocomposites. The composting was carried out for 120 days and the biodegradation of these materials was characterized using various techniques. The changes in the PVA resin and nanocomposite surface topography and microstructure during composting were also characterized. The results from the analyses suggest biodegradation of PVA based materials in compost medium was mainly by enzymes secreted by fungi. The results also indicate that the enzymes degraded the amorphous regions of the specimens first and that the PVA crystallinity played an important role in its biodegradation. The surface roughness of the specimens was seen to increase with composting time as the microbial colonies grew which in turn facilitated further microorganism growth. All specimens broke into small pieces between 90 and 120 days of composting as a result of deep biodegradation. Glyoxal and malonic acid crosslinking decreased the PVA biodegradation rate slightly. Addition of highly crystalline microfibrillated cellulose and naturally occurring halloysite nanotubes in PVA based nanocomposites also decreased the biodegradation rate. The three factors: PVA crystallinity, crosslinking and additives, may be utilized effectively to extend the life of these materials in real life applications. 相似文献
4.
Characterization of Biodegradable Composite Films Prepared from Blends of Poly(Vinyl Alcohol), Cornstarch,and Lignocellulosic Fiber 总被引:4,自引:0,他引:4
Several composite blends of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and lignocellulosic fibers were prepared and characterized. Cohesive and flexible cast films were obtained by blending lignocellulosic fibers derived from orange waste and PVA with or without cornstarch. Films were evaluated for their thermal stability, water permeability and biodegradation properties. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated the suitability of formulations for melt processing, and for application as mulch films in fields at much higher temperatures. Composite films were permeable to water, but at the same time able to maintain consistency and composition upon drying. Chemical crosslinking of starch, fiber and PVA, all hydroxyl functionalized polymers, by hexamethoxymethylmelamine (HMMM) improved water resistance in films. Films generally biodegraded within 30 days in soil, achieving between 50–80% mineralization. Both starch and lignocellulosic fiber degraded much more rapidly than PVA. Interestingly, addition of fiber to formulations enhanced the PVA degradation. 相似文献
5.
Ali Akbar Safari Sinegani Maasumeh Ghanbari Amad Janjan 《Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management》2009,11(3):293-298
The in vitro degradation of fiber from two agricultural residues (Helianthus annuus and Zea mays) was studied using four saprophytic fungi. The changes in cellulolytic enzyme and phosphatase activities, the C/N ratio,
the dry weight, the crude fiber (CF) content, and the protein and fiber digestibility coefficients were investigated in solid-state
culture during a 45-day period of biodegradation. The FPase activity of Phanerochaete chrysosporium and the endoglucanase activities of P. chrysosporium and Trichoderma reesei compared to those of the other fungi were significantly (P < 0.05) high on both crop resides. Both acid and alkaline phosphatases were produced in greater amounts by P. chrysosporium than by the other fungi. The organic carbon contents of both residues were reduced more by T. reesei than by the other fungi. The fiber digestibility coefficient of untreated corn residue was higher than that of sunflower
residue, but after treatment with fungi, the sunflower fiber digestibility increased more than that of corn did. Although
the CF contents of both residues were decreased more by P. chrysosporium than by T. reesei, the fiber digestibility coefficients of both residues were increased more by T. reesei than by P. chrysosporium. The treatment of both crop residues increased their protein digestibility coefficients significantly compared to the control.
The protein digestibility coefficients of both residues were increased more by T. reesei and P. chrysosporium than by the other fungi. In all treatments, the protein digestibility coefficient of sunflower residue was higher than that
of corn residue. 相似文献
6.
Reactively Compatibilized Cellulosic Polylactide Microcomposites 总被引:3,自引:0,他引:3
Birgit Braun John R. Dorgan Daniel M. Knauss 《Journal of Polymers and the Environment》2006,14(1):49-58
Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) possesses a suite of favorable material properties that are enabling its penetration into diverse
markets (e.g., as packaging material or textile fibers). In order to increase the range of applications for this material,
it is necessary to modify its properties and for certain applications, reduce its cost. The introduction of fibers into a
polymeric matrix is an established route towards property enhancement provided good dispersion and intimate interfacial adhesion
can be achieved. In addition, cellulosic microfibers are obtainable at low to moderate cost. In this study, reactive compatibilization
of cellulosic fibers with PLA is pursued. Hydroxyl groups available on the surface of cellulosic fibers are used to initiate
lactide polymerization. Various processing strategies are investigated: (1) blending preformed PLA with the fiber material,
(2) through a one-step process in which lactide is polymerized in the presence of the fibers alone, or (3) reactive compatibilization
in the presence of preformed high molecular weight polymer. The results show that materials prepared by simultaneous introduction
of lactide and preformed high molecular PLA at the beginning of the reaction possess superior mechanical properties compared
to composites made by either purely mechanical mixing or solely polymerization of lactide in the presence of fibers. The modulus
of materials containing 25% fibers which are prepared by reactive compatibilization of 30% preformed PLA and 70% lactide (30/70
P/L) improves by 53% compared to the homopolymer, whereas 36% reinforcement can be achieved upon purely mechanical mixing.
A further increase to 35% fiber loading leads to a reduction in modulus due to an excess in initiating groups. The same trend
was observed in systems containing 65% preformed PLA and 35% lactide (65/35 P/L) with an overall achievable reinforcement
that was slightly lower. 相似文献
7.
Shikha Raghuwanshi M. G. H. Zaidi Saurabh Kumar Reeta Goel 《Journal of Polymers and the Environment》2018,26(7):2661-2675
The global demand of bioplastics has lead to an exponential increase in their production commercially. Hence, biodegradable nature needs to be evaluated in various ecosystems viz. air, water, soil and other environmental conditions to avoid the polymeric waste accumulation in the nature. In this paper, we investigated the progressive response of two indigenously developed bacterial consortia, i.e., consortium-I (C-I: Pseudomonas sp. strain Rb10, Pseudomonas sp. strain Rb11 and Bacillus sp. strain Rb18), and consortium-II (C-II: Lysinibacillus sp. strain Rb1, Pseudomonas sp. strain Rb13 and Pseudomonas sp. strain Rb19), against biodegradation behavior of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) film composites, under natural soil ecosystem (in net house). The biodegraded films recovered after 6 and 9 months of incubation were analyzed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy to determine the variations in chemical and morphological parameters (before and after incubation). Noticeable changes in the bond intensity, surface morphology and conductivity were found when PHB composites were treated with C-II. These changes were drastic in case of blends in comparison to copolymer. The potential isolates not only survived, but, also, there was a significant increase in bacterial diversity during whole period of incubation. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first report which described the biodegradation potential of Lysinibacillus sp. as a part of C-II with Pseudomonas sp. against PHB film composites. 相似文献
8.
Fungal Degradation of Poly(Butylene Adipate-Co-Terephthalate) in Soil and in Compost 总被引:1,自引:0,他引:1
Zoubida Saadi Guy Cesar Hilaire Bewa Ludovic Benguigui 《Journal of Polymers and the Environment》2013,21(4):893-901
The present work mainly dedicated to fungal degradation of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) [PBAT], to enclose the role of fungi in a real process of biodegradation, the degree of degradation, and to understand the kinetics of PBAT biodegradation. Respirometer tests were realized in soil at 30 °C, and in compost at 30 and 58 °C. Results have shown that temperature is one of the essential parameters governing the fungal degradation of PBAT. Moreover, the final rates of PBAT biodegradation in an inoculated compost with fungi and in a real compost were found comparable, which means that the selected fungi were efficient as much as a mixture of bacteria and fungi. The curves of PBAT biodegradation were modeled by Hill sigmoid. Fungal degradation was completed by investigating the physical and the chemical properties of the polymer during the process of degradation using several analytical methods such as matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of fly spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography, and differential scanning calorimetry. These experiments led to a better understanding of the various stages of fungal degradation of PBAT: hydrolysis as well as mineralization. Furthermore, the analysis of metabolizing products was investigated also. 相似文献
9.
Araceli Loredo-Treviño Gerardo Gutiérrez-Sánchez Raúl Rodríguez-Herrera Cristóbal N. Aguilar 《Journal of Polymers and the Environment》2012,20(1):258-265
Plastics are present in a lot of aspects of everyday life. They are very versatile and resistant to microbial attack. Polyurethanes
are used in several industries and are divided in polyester and polyether polyurethanes and there are different types among
them. Despite their microbial resistance, they are susceptible to the attack of fungi and bacteria but the mechanism to elucidate
its biodegradation are unknown. There are reports from bacteria and fungi that are capable of degrading polyurethane but the
studies about the enzymes that attack the plastic are focused on bacterial enzymes only. The enzymes reported are of type
esterase and protease mainly since these enzymes are very unspecific and can recognize some regions in the polyurethane molecule
and hydrolyze it. Fungal enzymes have been studied prior the 1990s decade but recently, some authors report the use of filamentous
fungi to degrade polyurethane and also report some characteristics of the enzymes involved in it. This review approaches polyurethane
biodegradation by focusing on the enzymes reported to date. 相似文献
10.
Eiji Ikada 《Journal of Polymers and the Environment》1999,7(4):197-201
Biodegradable polymers generally decompose in the various media in our environments. These environments contain soils, seawater, and activated sludge. If biodegradable materials waste is discarded, they decompose in these media. The biodegradation process of biodegradable polymers was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Polycaprolactone, polybutylene succinate, and P(3HB-co-3HV) were tested. The shapes of holes on the decomposing surfaces are different according to the biodegradation media. Semispherical holes are observed on the surfaces of polybutylene succinate films degraded in activated sludge and cracks are observed on the surfaces of polycaprolactone films degraded in soil. 相似文献
11.
A. C. H. Barreto M. M. Costa A. S. B. Sombra D. S. Rosa R. F. Nascimento S. E. Mazzetto P. B. A. Fechine 《Journal of Polymers and the Environment》2010,18(4):523-531
Banana fibers, as well as other lignocellulosic fibers, are constituted of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, pectin, wax and
water soluble components. The abundance of this fiber combined with the ease of its processing is an attractive feature, which
makes it a valuable substitute for synthetic fibers that are potentially toxic. In this work, the structure characterization
of the banana fiber modified by alkaline treatment was studied. Some important properties of this fiber changed due to some
chemical treatments, such as the crystalline fraction, dielectric behavior, metal removal (governed by solution pH) and biodegradation.
Our results showed that treated banana fiber is a low cost alternative for metal removal in aqueous industry effluents. Thus,
for regions with low resources, the biosorbents are an alternative to diminish the impact of pollution caused by local industries,
besides being a biodegradable product. 相似文献
12.
Fungal Degradation of Poly(l-lactide) in Soil and in Compost 总被引:1,自引:1,他引:0
Zoubida Saadi Aurore Rasmont Guy Cesar Hilaire Bewa Ludovic Benguigui 《Journal of Polymers and the Environment》2012,20(2):273-282
The biodegradability of polymers by microorganisms is generally studied in a real environment that contains a natural mixture of fungi and bacteria. The present research mainly focused on the purely fungal degradation of poly(l-lactide), PLLA, to enclose the part of fungi in a real process of biodegradation and to understand the kinetics of biodegradation. Respirometric tests were realized in soil at 30?°C, and in compost at 30?and 58?°C. Results indicated that temperature is the predominant parameter governing the fungal degradation of PLLA. Moreover, in real compost, the biodegradation kinetics of the PLLA revealed a synergy between bacteria and fungi. The curves of PLLA and cellulose biodegradation were modeled by Hill sigmo?d. Fungal degradation was completed by investigating the physical and the chemical properties of the polymer during the process of degradation using several analytical methods such as matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of fly spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography, and differential scanning calorimetry. These experiments led to a better understanding of the various stages of fungal degradation of PLLA: hydrolysis as well as mineralization. Furthermore, metabolizing products (by-products) of PLLA was investigated also. 相似文献
13.
Jonn A. Foulk Wayne Y. Chao Danny E. Akin Roy B. Dodd Patricia A. Layton 《Journal of Polymers and the Environment》2004,12(3):165-171
Municipal solid wastes generated each year contain potentially useful and recyclable materials for composites. Simultaneously, interest is high for the use of natural fibers, such as flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), in composites thus providing cost and environmental benefits. To investigate the utility of these materials, composites containing flax fibers with recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE) were created and compared with similar products made with wood pulp, glass, and carbon fibers. Flax was either enzyme- or dew-retted to observe composite property differences between diverse levels of enzyme formulations and retting techniques. Coupling agents would strengthen binding between fibers and HDPE but in this study fibers were not modified in anyway to observe mechanical property differences between natural fiber composites. Composites with flax fibers from various retting methods, i.e., dew- vs. enzyme-retting, behaved differently; dew-retted fiber composites resulted in both lower strength and percent elongation. The lowest level of enzyme-retting and the most economical process produces composites that do not appear to differ from the highest level of enzyme-retting. Flax fibers improved the modulus of elasticity over wood pulp and HDPE alone and were less dense than glass or carbon fiber composites. Likely, differences in surface properties of the various flax fibers, while poorly defined and requiring further research, caused various interactions with the resin that influenced composite properties. 相似文献
14.
The Effect of Interaction Between White-rot Fungi and Indigenous Microorganisms on Degradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Soil 总被引:4,自引:0,他引:4
White-rot fungi applied for soil bioremediation have to compete with indigenous soil microorganisms. The effect of competition on both indigenous soil microflora and white-rot fungi was evaluated with regard to degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) with different persistence in soil. Sterile and non-sterile soil was artificially contaminated with 14C-labeled PAH consisting of three (anthracene), four (pyrene, benz[a]anthracene) and five fused aromatic rings (benzo[a]pyrene, dibenz[a,h]anthracene). The two fungi tested,Dichomitus squalens and Pleurotus ostreatus, produced similar amounts of ligninolytic enzymes in soil, but PAH mineralization by P. ostreatus was significantly higher. Compared to the indigenous soil microflora, P.ostreatus mineralized 5-ring PAH to a larger extent, while the indigenous microflora was superior in mineralizing 3-ring and 4-ring PAH. In coculture the special capabilities of both soil microflora and P. ostreatus were partly restricted due to antagonistic interactions, but essentially preserved. Thus, soil inoculation with P. ostreatus significantly increased the mineralization of high-molecular-weight PAH, and at the same time reduced the mineralization of anthracene and pyrene. Regarding the mineralization of low-molecular-weight PAH, the stimulation of indigenous soil microorganisms by straw amendment was more efficient than application of white-rot fungi. 相似文献
15.
A New Respirometric Test Simulating Soil Burial Conditions for the Evaluation of Polymer Biodegradation 总被引:2,自引:0,他引:2
Roberto Solaro Andrea Corti Emo Chiellini 《Journal of Polymers and the Environment》1998,6(4):203-208
A new convenient and reliable method is described for assessing the biodegradation properties of polymeric materials under simulated soil burial conditions, which makes it possible to test with nutrient-rich soils. This method consists of the utilization of a minimum amount of a soil layer, in which the samples to be tested are set in close contact, sandwiched between two layers of perlite, a natural porous aluminosilicate. The biodegradation level is monitored by determining the carbon dioxide evolution derived from the test samples. The limited amount of soil used limits carbon dioxide evolution from the blanks, due to the corresponding limited overall amount of soil carbon. This experimental setup allows for an extremely satisfactory level of confidence in the analytical results, permitting a wider variety of soil types to be tested. 相似文献
16.
Comparative Biodegradation in Soil Behaviour of two Biodegradable Polymers Based on Renewable Resources 总被引:2,自引:0,他引:2
This work presents the last phase of long-term experimental studies on the biodegradation in soil behaviour of polymers destined
for agricultural applications. The paper focuses on comparative studies between the biodegradation in soil behaviour of two
important biodegradable polymers based on renewable resources: poly(lactic acid) (PLA) versus polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA).
Full-scale experiments were carried out during the period June 2008–January 2009. Different methods of exposure were applied
in the case of polyhydroxyalkanoates, simulating the agricultural biodegradable mulching films use and their fate in soil
after the end of their useful lifetime. The field results were compared with the results of biodegradation under controlled
laboratory conditions simulating biodegradation in soil, using soil from the experimental field. Further, the field results
were compared against the results of biodegradation under farm composting conditions. 相似文献
17.
K. C. Batista D. A. K. Silva L. A. F. Coelho S. H. Pezzin A. P. T. Pezzin 《Journal of Polymers and the Environment》2010,18(3):346-354
There is great interest in developing eco-friendly green biocomposites from plant-derived natural fibers and crop-derived
bioplastics attributable to their renewable resource-based origin and biodegradable nature. Fully biodegradable composites,
made from both biodegradable polymeric matrices and natural fibers, should be advantageous in some applications, such as one
way packaging. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are naturally occurring biodegradable polymers produced from a wide range of microorganisms,
with poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) P(3HB) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) being important examples of PHAs. In this work, biocomposites of PHBV consisting of a PHBV matrix
incorporating peach palm particles (PPp), [i.e., 100/0, 90/10, 80/20 and 75/25 (%w/w) PHBV/PPp] were processed by injection
molding at 160 °C. The effect of PPp loading on the thermal and the mechanical properties, as well as on the morphological
behavior of the PHBV/PPp biocomposites was investigated. Soil biodegradation tests were carried out by burying specimen beakers
containing aged soil and kept under controlled temperature and humidity in accordance with ASTM G160-98. Degradation of the
biocomposites was evaluated by visual analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) following
test exposures of up to 5 months. The addition of PPp reduced the maximum strength and the elongation at break of the biocomposites.
On the other hand, the Young’s modulus improved with the PPp content. Micrographs of the fracture surfaces following tensile
strength testing revealed a large distance between the PHBV matrix and PPp particles although a low interaction is expected.
Where measured, these distances tended increase as the PPp content of the biocomposites increased. Soil biodegradation tests
indicated that the biocomposites degraded faster than the neat polymer due to the presence of cavities that resulted from
introduction of the PPp and that degradation increased with increasing PPp content. These voids allowed for enhanced water
adsorption and greater internal access to the soil-borne degrader microorganisms. 相似文献
18.
We have studied the availability and leaching of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from two contaminated materials, a tar-containing asphalt granulate (Sigma16 US-EPA PAHs 3412mg/kg) and gasworks soil (SigmaPAHs 900mg/kg), by comparing results from three typical types of leaching tests: a column, sequential batch, and two different availability tests. The sequential batch test was found to largely resemble the column test. However, the leaching of particularly the larger PAHs (>5 aromatic rings) was found to be enhanced in the batch test by up to an order of magnitude, probably due to their association with large DOC (dissolved organic carbon) molecules generated by the vigorous mixing. The release of PAHs in the two availability tests, in which the leaching is facilitated by either a high concentration of DOC or Tenax resin, was similar, although the latter test was easier to perform and yielded more repeatable results. The availability was much higher than the amount leached in the column and sequential batch tests. However, biodegradation had apparently occurred in the column test and the total amount of PAHs released by either leaching or biodegradation, 9% and 26% for asphalt granulate and gasworks soil, respectively, did equal the amount leached in the availability tests. Therefore, the availability was found to provide a relevant measure of the PAH fraction that can be released from the solid phase. These results stress the importance of using the available instead of the total amount of contaminant in the risk analysis of solid materials in utilization or disposal. 相似文献
19.
C. Wretfors S.-W. Cho M. S. Hedenqvist S. Marttila S. Nimmermark E. Johansson 《Journal of Polymers and the Environment》2009,17(4):259-266
The next generation of manufactured products must be sustainable and industrially eco-efficient, making materials derived
from plants an alternative of particular interest. Wheat gluten (WG) is an interesting plant material to be used for production
of plastic similar materials due to its film-forming properties. For usage of plastics in a wider range of applications, composite
materials with improved mechanical properties are demanded. The present study investigates the possibilities of reinforcing
WG plastics with hemp fibers. Samples were manufactured using compression molding (130 °C, 1600 bar, 5 min). Variation in
fiber length, content (5, 10, 15 and 20 wt%) and quality (poor, standard, good) were evaluated. Mechanical properties and
structure of materials were examined using tensile testing, light and scanning electron microscopy. Hemp fiber reinforcement
of gluten plastics significantly influenced the mechanical properties of the material. Short hemp fibers processed in a high
speed grinder were more homogenously spread in the material than long unprocessed fibers. Fiber content in the material showed
a significant positive correlation with tensile strength and Young’s modulus, and a negative correlation with fracture strain
and strain at maximum stress. Quality of the hemp fibers did not play any significant role for tensile strength and strain,
but the Young’s modulus was significantly and positively correlated with hemp fiber quality. Despite the use of short hemp
fibers, the reinforced gluten material still showed uneven mechanical properties within the material, a result from clustering
of the fibers and too poor bonding between fibers and gluten material. Both these problems have to be resolved before reinforcement
of gluten plastics by industrial hemp fibers is applicable on an industrial scale. 相似文献
20.
Laura G. Carr Duclerc F. Parra Patricia Ponce Ademar B. Lugão Pedro M. Buchler 《Journal of Polymers and the Environment》2006,14(2):179-183
The utilization of renewable resources in packaging can provide solutions to ecological problems such as waste quantity. Agricultural resources are alternative raw materials, among which there is starch, a natural polysaccharide that can be used to form resistant foam under wet and warm conditions. The starch foam is obtained by thermo pressing process where cassava starch, water and additives are processed to form a rigid structure by swelling, gelatinization and network formation. Natural fibers can be used to improve the mechanical properties of starch foams. In this project was investigated the influence of the addition of fibers in the levels of 1, 2 and 3% of cassava (short fiber) and 1, 2 and 3% of wheat fiber (powered fiber) in the starch dough. The foams were characterized by physical methods of strength, flexibility, density and by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The increase in fibers quantity has resulted in foams with higher density and less flexibility, whatever the fiber type. Most fibers quantity did not improve the foam strength. Foam made with 1% of cassava fiber showed higher compression strength; by increasing the percentage quantity there was a decrease on the compression resistance. Foam made with wheat fiber presented a lower result in 2%. The fiber type had no statistical significance in strength, flexibility and density foam. Only the fiber quantity was significant. The results showed that both fibers presented limited dimensions to improve the reinforcement of the starch foams up to 1%. 相似文献