Effect of Carnauba Wax and Coconut Fiber Contents on Tensile Properties of Corn Starch-Based Biocomposites

This work aims investigate the changes on tensile properties of biocomposites obtained by addition of carnauba wax and coconut fibers in a corn starch matrix. The influence of carnauba wax and coconut fibers contents on tensile strength, modulus of elasticity and elongation at break was studied using a response surface methodology. A central composite design based on three levels of carnauba wax content (0, 10 and 20 %) and coconut fibers content (0, 10 and 20 %) was elaborated. Empirical models were obtained to describe these properties as function of coconut fiber and carnauba wax contents. ...