PHYSICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF STARCH-COTTON FIBER COMPOSITE SHEETS

Biobased materials had been identified as replacements for materials produced with chemical binders. Panels made from starch-cotton fiber waste composite materials fit perfectly into the category of biobased materials. The aim of this study was to measure the physical properties of starch-cotton fiber composite sheets. For sheets manufactured in 300x300x100mm3, the density and dimensional stability properties (water content, absorption rate, dimensional and volumetric swelling) were calculated. Density was determined in accordance with NF EN 323. Swellings were determined in accordance with EN 317. Water content was measured in accordance with EN 322. The sheets were manufactured with starch/water and starch/cotton fiber mass ratios respectfully equal to 0.25 and 1. We obtained an average water content of 4.27% and an absolute densityγs =1.13g/cm3. The average absorption coefficient measured was 62.88%. The measurement of dimensional variations showed that the panels underwent little deformation in the length and width directions. The average was 2%. In the thickness direction, on the other hand, dimensional variation was very high. This averaged 44%. The latter reflects the porosity of the material.