Publication: Characterization of glycerine pitch (GP) and its utilization as a plasticizer In thermoplastic starch (TPS) film
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Date
2025-08-04
Authors
Lam, Shee Shyuan
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Abstract
Glycerine pitch (GP) is a residue generated from crude glycerol refining in the palm-based oleochemical industries. Commonly treated as a waste, GP disposal often raises environmental concerns. To address the issue, this research focused on the characterization of GP using various techniques and evaluation of its role as a plasticizer in thermoplastic starch (TPS) film. This work focuses on sustainable materials and biopolymer development with emphasis on waste valorisation. GP was analysed through physical, chemical, and thermal characterizations, including visual inspection, pH, ash content, elemental analysis, spectroscopic analysis, and thermal analysis. GP was found to be alkaline, low in ash content, high in oxygen content, contained trace sodium originating from residual salts and soaps, and presence of functional groups that make it potentially suitable for plasticization. TPS is a renewable and biodegradable material derived from starch. However, its high brittleness and water solubility restrict its applications potential. In this study, GP was utilized as a glycerine-based plasticizer to study its role. TPS films were prepared using various glycerine-based plasticizers and concentrations. The films were characterized through physical, morphology, spectroscopic, and solvent solubility analyses. GPTPS exhibited similar physical and morphological film properties to PGTPS. It showed low solubility in water, ethanol, and acidic solvent, indicating improved chemical resistance and reduced degradability. These findings support the potential of GP as a plasticizer alternative and its valorisation as a value-added material in TPS film by offering a sustainable route to convert GP waste into functional biobased materials
with potential applications.