MSE 360 CAPSTONE PROJECT

DEPARTMENT OF MATERIAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

IIT KANPUR
APPROVED BY:

STAFF LAB YES/NO/NOT

MEMBER REQUIRED
[Link] Engineering Metallurgy Lab (Not available on M
& W)
G. P Bajpai Physical Metallurgy (Not available on T & Th)
N. Deka Process Metallurgy
S. Kant Functional Materials Lab (Not available on Th)
S. K. Agnihotri Mechanical Behavior Lab and Workshop

PROJECT TITLE:
Development and Characterisation of a Biodegradable Polymer Composite
for Sustainable Packaging.
TEAM NAME: Dharti Ke Dost
ROLL NUMBER NAME EMAIL
220129 Anamika Kumari anamikak22@[Link]
220465 Ishika Bansal ishikab22@[Link]
220749 [Link] Bhavana pbbhavana22@[Link]
220897 Rituraj Singh Nabiyal riturajsn22@[Link]
221069 Sneha Kundu snehakundu22@[Link]
221091 Stephenson Baglary stephenson22@[Link]

BACKGROUND MOTIVATION:
[Link] is the problem you aim to solve?
Plastic pollution remains a pressing environmental challenge, particularly
within the packaging industry where single-use, non-biodegradable plastics
accumulate in land lls and oceans. This project tackles the need for sustainable
packaging solutions by developing a biodegradable polymer composite. The goal is to
reduce waste while retaining functional properties necessary for real-world
applications.
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 [Link] is it signi cant in the eld of Materials Science?
Biodegradable polymer composites represent a critical frontier in green
material science. Advancing these materials requires innovative approaches to
balancing two key factors: robust mechanical performance and environmental
responsibility. By integrating natural bers into biodegradable polymers, this research
contributes to a broader shift toward eco-friendly materials pushing the boundaries of
how materials can meet industry demands without compromising sustainability goals.
OBJECTIVES:
1. To produce biodegradable polymer composite samples using selected
Poly lactic acid
biodegradable polymers(PLA) and natural bers( ax) through appropriate
processing methods(tape casting).
2. To investigate the microstructure of the produced composites using optical
microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
3. To evaluate the mechanical properties(tensile strength, impact resistance,
hardness) and the biodegradability(ASTM D5988) of the composites under
controlled conditions.
4. To establish correlations among microstructure, processing parameters, and
material properties, thereby addressing the structure–process–property relationship
in sustainable materials design.
PROPOSED METHODOLOGY:
high strength to weight ratio.
PROCESSING: superior fibre structure
good compatibility with polymers
1. Mix biodegradable polymers (PLA) with natural bers( ax) for reinforcement.
2. Use tape casting to prepare composite sheets or test specimens. The process
involves dispersing the polymer- ber blend into a slurry, casting it onto a at
surface using a doctor blade, and drying it under controlled conditions to form thin
composite sheets.
MATERIALS NEEDED:
1. Processed PLA in pellet or powder form
2. Pre treated ax bres using alkali/silane treated for better bonding)
3. Solvent for PLA ( chloroform / di- chloro methane / acetone)
4. Mechanical stirrer/ultrasonic bath for dispersion
FIBRE PRE TREATMENT:
1. Soak ax bres in a 5% NaOH solution for 2-4 hours then rinse thoroughly with
water and dry. separation of fibres by breaking pectin and lignin
2. Use silane coupling agent eg γ - aminopropyltriethoxysilane to treat bres for
silanes act as molecular bridges that enhance bonding between dissimilar material such as natural fibres and synthetic polymers
improved adhesion with PLA.
3. After treatment, make sure bres are fully dried in an oven at ~60–80°C to avoid
moisture contamination.
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 PLA DISSOLUTION:
1. Select an appropriate solvent for PLA, such as chloroform or dichloromethane.
Perform this in a well-ventilated area or under a fume hood for safety.
2. Weigh a speci c amount of PLA and add it to the solvent. Stir the solution using a
magnetic stirrer or a mechanical mixer at room temperature or slightly elevated
temperatures (40–50°C). Continue stirring until the PLA fully dissolves, forming a
viscous solution.
FIBRE INCORPORATION:
1. Weigh the Flax Fibers: Determine the ber-to-matrix ratio (commonly 10–30
wt% of ax)
2. Disperse Fibers: Gradually add the ax bers to the PLA solution while stirring.
Precautions:
• Use an ultrasonic bath to disperse bers more effectively, breaking up any clumps.
• Ensure uniform mixing to avoid ber agglomeration.
Fiber Fiber Number of Samples Purpose Fiber Total
Content wt% Required per Fiber
Sample Required
Low Fiber 10wt% 3 for tensile testing Mechanical (Tensile Test) ~1 g ~3 g

3 for impact testing Mechanical (Impact Test) ~1 g ~3 g

3 for biodegradability Biodegradability (ASTM ~1 g ~3 g

D5988)
20 wt% 3 for tensile testing Mechanical (Tensile Test) ~2 g ~6 g

3 for impact testing Mechanical (Impact Test) ~2 g ~6 g

3 for biodegradability Biodegradability (ASTM ~2 g ~6 g

D5988)
High Fiber 30 wt% 3 for tensile testing Mechanical (Tensile Test) ~3 g ~9 g

3 for impact testing Mechanical (Impact Test) ~3 g ~9 g

3 for biodegradability Biodegradability (ASTM ~3 g ~9 g

D5988)

SUMMARY OF FIBRE REQUIRED:

Low Fiber Content (10 wt%): 9 g total for 9 samples.
(20 wt%): 18 g total for 9 samples.
High Fiber Content (30 wt%): 27 g total for 9 samples.
54 g of ax bers for the entire project.(subject to weight of the sample)
27 samples + Always produce 10–20% additional samples to account for errors,
mishandling, or repeat tests.(6 samples)
Hence 33 samples.
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 Adjust the mixture:
1. If the slurry is too viscous, add a small amount of solvent to achieve a workable
consistency.
2. Optionally, add a coupling agent (e.g., PLA-g-MA or silane) or plasticizer (e.g.,
triacetin) to enhance the mechanical properties and processing of the composite.
CHARACTERIZATION:
1. Optical Microscopy: Analyze ber-matrix interactions and microstructure.
2. SEM: Examine surface morphology, ber dispersion, and bonding.
3. Mechanical Testing: Determine tensile strength, impact resistance, and hardness
using Universal Testing Machine (UTM), Charpy impact tester and Vickers
hardness tester.
Biodegradability Testing :
1. Subject samples to soil burial tests under controlled conditions to monitor
degradation over time.
2. Analyse samples based on ASTM D5988 [Link] of your PLA-
ax composite using ASTM D5988.
MATERIALS REQUIRED:
1. Natural soil with microbial activity and 50-70% water holding capacity.
2. PLA- ax composite samples with weights and dimensions recorded. Use positive
(cellulose) and negative(polyethylene)controls. If the positive control biodegrades
i.e. generates CO2, it con rms soil’s microbial activity and experimental setup are
suitable. If the negative controls shows little or no biodegradation, it con rms that
he observed changes n the test samples re due to inherent biodegradability not
experimental errors or contamination.
3. Air tight containers for soil and samples and co2 traps(eg baoh solution).
4. Maintain constant temperature of 25 degree celsius. 2 degrees up and down is
okay.
5. pH meter, balance and titration setup for CO2 measurement.
PROCEDURE:
1. Sieve and moisten soil to 50–70% WHC.
2. Fill containers with pre-treated soil.
3. Embed PLA- ax samples in soil.
4. Place controls in separate containers.
5. Seal containers to prevent external air exchange.
6. Incubate at 25°C ± 2°C.
7. Periodically measure CO₂:Using barium hydroxide-Titrate solution to determine
CO₂ absorbed. Using a gas analyzer - Record CO₂ directly.
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otherwise greater than 90% for 180 days

8. Maintain soil moisture by adding water if needed.

9. Compare CO₂ from test samples with controls.
5–15%
10. Biodegradability (%) = (Cumulative CO2 from test - control ) /(Theoretical CO2) × 100.
Note that Theoretical CO₂: Based on carbon content in PLA- ax composite.
[Link] the test for 7-14 days or until CO₂ evolution stabilizes.
[Link] weight loss, CO₂ evolution, and physical disintegration.
[Link] chemicals (e.g., barium hydroxide) safely and Dispose of residues and soil
responsibly.
DATA ANALYSIS:
Correlating Mechanical and Biodegradability Data
Mechanical Testing Variables:
1. Tensile Strength: Measured using UTM to obtain ultimate tensile strength and
Young’s modulus.
2. Impact Resistance: Evaluated with a Charpy impact tester to determine
toughness.
3. Hardness: Assessed using a Vickers hardness tester to measure surface
hardness.
Data Representation:
Graphs:
Stress-strain curve for tensile testing (elastic modulus, ultimate tensile strength).
Energy absorbed vs. ber content for impact resistance.
Hardness values as a function of ber percentage.
Tables:
Summarizing average values and standard deviations for tensile strength, impact
resistance, and hardness across 10%, 20%, and 30% ber contents.
SEM and Optical Microscopy Analysis:
SEM Analysis:
Assess surface morphology ( ber distribution, bonding quality, voids).
Identify defects (cracks, ber pull-out).
Optical Microscopy:
Observe microstructural features ( ber alignment, void distribution).
Evaluate ber orientation and porosity.
Image Representation: Annotated micrographs to highlight key observations.
Correlation and Insights: Correlate ber dispersion and bonding (SEM/microscopy)
with mechanical properties.
Structure-Property Relationship: Relate voids and defects to material strength and
toughness.
Processing-Property Relationship: Link ber content and tape casting conditions to
microstructure and mechanical performance.
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Mechanical-Biodegradability Trade-Off: Analyze how ber content impacts both
mechanical strength and degradation rate.
Insights and Recommendations:
Determine optimal ber content balancing mechanical properties and
biodegradability.
Highlight the impact of defects on mechanical performance.
Provide practical recommendations for improving material processing and
performance.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES AND DELIVERABLES:
1. Creation of a biodegradable polymer composite with superior mechanical
properties.
2. Detailed analysis linking ber reinforcement, polymer matrix composition, and
material properties.
3. Data and insights on the biodegradability of the composite under controlled
conditions.
4. Comprehensive report and presentation detailing ndings and industrial
application potential.
PROJECT TIMELINE:
WEEK ACTIVITY
Week 1 Introduction to PLA- ax composite preparation, safety training, and
equipment familiarization.
Week 2 Pre-treatment of ax bers (alkali and silane treatment).
Week 3 PLA dissolution and preparation of PLA- ax composite slurry.
Week 4 Tape casting and drying of composite sheets.
Week 5 Sample preparation for characterization (cutting, polishing, etc.).
Week 6 Optical Microscopy and SEM analysis of microstructure and ber dispersion.
Week 7 Mechanical testing (tensile strength, impact resistance, hardness).
Week 8 Biodegradability testing setup (soil burial, CO₂ trapping, moisture
monitoring).
Week 9 Ongoing biodegradability testing and periodic measurements (weight loss,
CO₂ evolution).
Week 10 Data analysis: Correlation of mechanical, microstructural, and
biodegradability data.
Week 11 Drafting report, interpreting ndings, and preparing nal presentation.
Week 12 Final submission and presentation of results.
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 MANPOWER DISTRIBUTION:
Week Ishika Sneha Blessi Anamika Rituraj Stephenso
n
Week Literature Literature Literature Equipment Equipment Equipment
1 review review review familiarizati- familiarizati familiarizati-
on -on on
Week Fiber pre- Fiber pre- Fiber pre- Equipment Equipment Equipment
2 treatment treatment treatment setup setup setup
Week PLA PLA PLA Slurry Slurry Slurry
3 dissolution dissolution dissolution preparation preparation preparation
Week Tape casting Tape casting Tape casting Tape casting Tape casting Tape casting
4
Week Sample Sample Sample Sample Sample Sample
5 preparation preparation preparation preparation preparation preparation
Week Optical Optical Optical SEM SEM SEM
6 Microscopy Microscopy Microscopy analysis analysis analysis
Week Tensile Tensile Tensile Hardness Hardness Hardness
7 testing testing testing testing testing testing
Week Biodegradabi Biodegradabi Biodegradabil CO₂ CO₂ CO₂
8 -lity setup -lity setup -ity setup monitoring monitoring monitoring
Week Weight loss Weight loss Weight loss CO₂ CO₂ CO₂
9 measurement measurement measurement monitoring monitoring monitoring
Week Data analysis Data analysis Data analysis Data Data Data analysis
10 analysis analysis
Week Report Report Report Presentation Presentation Presentation
11 writing writing writing preparation preparation preparation

RESOURCES REQUIRED:
RESOURCE QUANTITY / DETAILS

PLA 1 kg (pellet or powder form)

Flax bers 500 g (pre-treated with alkali and silane)
Solvent 1 liter of chloroform or dichloromethane
Tape casting setup Doctor blade and at surface
Stirring equipment Magnetic stirrer, mechanical stirrer, ultrasonic bath
Characterization Optical Microscope, SEM, UTM, Charpy tester, Vickers hardness tester
Biodegradability setup Airtight containers, barium hydroxide solution, soil (microbial activity
veri ed)
Safety tools Fume hood, gloves, lab coats, and goggles
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 MATERIAL AND SAMPLE INFORMATION:
Material Condition Sample Dimensions Number of
Samples
PLA-Flax Composite Cast sheets, dried 50 mm × 10 mm × 2 mm 33
Positive Control Cellulose ( lter paper) 50 mm × 10 mm × 2 mm 5

Negative Control Polyethylene 50 mm × 10 mm × 2 mm 5

TIMELINE FOR USAGE OF IMPORTANT FACILITIES:

Facility Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week Week
8-9 10

Tape Casting ✔ ✔
Setup
Optical ✔
Microscope
SEM ✔
UTM ✔
Charpy Tester ✔
Soil Testing ✔
Setup

BUDGET ESTIMATE:
Polylactic Acid (PLA):
Estimated Price: Approximately ₹2,000 per kilogram.
Source: A 700-gram package of pure PLA granules is listed at ₹1,759
on Amazon India. AMAZON INDIA
Flax Fibers:
Estimated Price: Approximately ₹260 per kilogram.
Source: Flax ber is available at ₹260 per kilogram from suppliers on
ExportersIndia. EXPORTERSINDIA
Solvent (e.g., Chloroform or Dichloromethane):
Estimated Price: Approximately ₹1,500 to ₹2,500 per liter, depending
acetone
on purity and supplier. rupees 399/litre

Additives (e.g., Coupling Agents, Plasticizers):

Estimated Price: Varies based on the speci c additive and quantity
required.
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 For budgeting purposes, consider an approximate cost of ₹1,000 to
₹2,000 per additive.
Positive Control (Cellulose):
Material: Filter Paper (50 mm × 10 mm × 2 mm for 5 samples).
Estimated Cost: Approximately ₹200 for a pack of standard lter
paper (100 sheets).
Negative Control (Polyethylene):
Material: Polyethylene sheets (50mm × 10mm × 2mm for 5 samples).
Estimated Cost: Approximately ₹500 for a roll of polyethylene lm (1
meter × 0.5 meter).
MATERIAL COST
PLA (1 kg) ₹ 2,000
Flax Fibers (500 g) ₹ 130
Solvent (1 liter ₹ 2,000
Additives (estimated) ₹ 1,500
Positive Control (Cellulose) ₹ 200
Negative Control (Polyethylene) ₹ 500
Total ₹ 6,330

REFERENCES:
1. Charpy impact test on polymers:
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