FTIR Studies on Composite Blends and Biodegradable Products of Guna Protein/Cellulose Based Biocomposites
Abubakar Ahmed Hamidu *
Department of Chemistry, Adamawa State University, Mubi, Nigeria
Buba Ardo Aliyu
Department of Chemistry, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Nigeria
Jeffery Barminas Tsware
Department of Chemistry, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Nigeria
S. A. Osemeahon
Department of Chemistry, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Composite blends were formulated from guna protein/cellulose based biomaterials. The blends ratios prepared using solution method to produce blends ratios of (90/10 to 0/100). These were subjected to soil burial tests from 20 days through 80 days. FTIR analysis was carried on the composites and degraded blends. The results obtained from FTIR analysis confirmed the degradability of the polymer (guna protein/cellulose) by chemical changes in terms of appearance and shortening of peaks. Remarkably, peaks were newly indicated at 703 cm-1 and 861 cm-1 respectively. These absorption bands were ascribed to C-H aromatic bending and C-H bending respectively. Consistency in peaks at a frequency of 2966 cm-1ascribed to C-O Group was recorded for all the blend ratios. Aldehyde group stretching at a frequency of 1715 cm-1 was also observed for degraded blends.
Keywords: Biodegradability, FTIR, guna protein, cellulose, composites