Effect of the addition of fique bagasse microparticles in obtaining a biobased material based on cassava starch.

The indiscriminate accumulation of plastic waste has prompted research that leads to obtaining biobased materials. The research aim was to evaluate the effect of incorporating fique bagasse microparticles (FBM) in a cassava starch-based foamed material. First, the FBM extraction conditions were established by acid hydrolysis, for which the effect of acid concentration (5, 10 and 15% H 2 SO 4), temperature (70, 80 and 90 °C) and extraction time (3, 5 and 7 h) on particle size, functional groups, color, and thermal properties was evaluated. The addition of FBM to the foamed material was then carried out. To do this, a completely randomized design with five treatments (0, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0 and 1.25% FBM) was evaluated. The response variables were the apparent density, expansion and spring index, compressibility, water absorption, thermal properties and FTIR. The results showed that the acid concentration, temperature and time had an effect on the morphological, chemical and thermal properties of FBM, with 10%, 70 °C and 7 h being the conditions that allowed obtaining the smallest particle size (61.69 ± 12.88 μm2). Moreover, the FBM concentration had a significant effect on the physical and mechanical properties of the foam, unleashing the treatment properties of 0.75%. This indicates that FBM have potential for use in obtaining biobased materials. • Fique bagasse can be valorized through the extraction of microparticles. • MBF are an important component for the development of bio-based materials. • MBF extraction conditions affect their properties. • MBF concentration influences the properties of starch-based foams. • The incorporation of 0.75% MBF positively affected the foam properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]