Title
Numerical optimization of poly(lactic acid) coated cassava leaves biocomposite sheets using response surface methodology
Authors
NOOR FADZLIANA AHMAD SHARIF SAIFUL IZWAN ABD RAZAK WAN AIZAN WAN ABDUL RAHMAN ABDUL RAZAK RAHMAT SARAVANA KUMAR JAGANATHAN MOHD YAZID YAHYA and NADIRUL HASRAF MAT NAYAN

Received March 19, 2015
Published Volume 50 Issue 9-10 October-December
Keywords cassava, poly(lactic acid), biocomposites, tear index, numerical optimization, response surface methodology

Abstract
Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the tear index of newly developed biocomposite packaging sheets made up of cassava leaves and poly(lactic acid) (CL/PLA). The effect of process parameters, such as PLA concentration (6-10%), immersion time (2-8 min) and PLA solution temperature (30-50 °C), were studied using the Design of Experiment (DOE). The analysis of the response (tear index) suggested a good fit to a quadratic model with R2 of 0.9145. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the optimized sample revealed uniform and packed dimple-like PLA morphology on the CL plus enhanced burst index, water wetting and moisture barrier properties. Due to the ease of forming sheets and their economic value, the obtained biocomposites present high potential for large scale production. This new approach shows promise for packaging applications, which require the utilization of bio derived resources and cost effectiveness.