Optimization of parameters on fig leaf powders added polylactic acid-based composite films using Taguchi method

Abstract

This study presents the effects of formulation and production parameters, which affect the performance of bio-based films that have been widely studied in recent years, using the Taguchi method. Since the demands for evaluating the effects of variables as a whole are important and meaningful to optimize the effects of the variables on material development studies in the bio-based packaging sector, the effects of the filler ratio, filler size and production temperatures, especially on mechanical and thermal properties, have been investigated. While fig tree leaves, which are considered agricultural waste, were used as filler at ratios of 3, 5 and 10%, the particle sizes of fig tree leaves were 33, 77 and 138 mu m. Film production was carried out at three different temperatures: 50, 60 and 70 degrees C. After produced films were characterized by spectroscopic, morphological, thermal and mechanical tests, important and unimportant factors were defined, especially in terms of mechanical and thermal properties. Accordingly, while the most effective factor on tensile strength was the filler ratio, the most effective factor on elongation at break was determined as filler size. When the factors that most affect the thermal properties were evaluated, this factor was determined as the filler ratio for the decomposition temperature of 50% of the film (T50) and the filler size for glass transition (Tg) temperature. The results obtained were analyzed with ANOVA. According to the results obtained, parameters can be determined according to the final purpose and application area in the films to be developed in future studies.