Development of a Biodegradable Composite (Hydroxyapatite-Chitosan-Coir Pith) as a Packing Material

Abstract

Hydroxyapatite (HAP) was isolated from the bones of sea bass (Lates calcarifer) fish by thermal calcination at 800°C. HAP-chitosan-coir pith composite was prepared with the isolated HAP, chitosan and coir pith. The prepared composite was characterized using thermogravimetric analysis (TG), differential thermal analysis (DTA), Fourier Transformed Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The composite prepared was crystalline with compressive strength of 13.96 ± 0.95 MPa, tensile strength of 1.51 ± 0.74 MPa and water absorption of 32.7%. It also exhibited slow biodegradation in soil burial test.