The Influence of Heat Treatment on the Properties of Breeding Bio-Container

An environmental, biodegradable breeding container made from rice hull and starch adhesive was produced by a hot-press machine. The heat treatment was introduced to improve the properties of breeding container. The dry and wet strength, water absorption, FTIR, biodegradation, and thermal stability were tested and discussed. The results showed that curing temperature played a great influence of on the dry and wet strength of breeding container. The dry and wet strength was increased with the temperature rise. The water absorption decreased from 89.1% to 50.9%. Pattern of the peak at 3400 cm-1, 2900 cm-1, 1640 cm -1, 1500 cm-1 and 1050 cm-1 has changed after the heat treatment of specimens. The hydrogen bond was likely produced between straw and adhesive during the heat treatment process. The degradation rate of specimens after heat treatment was lower because the high temperature led to deeper cross-linked reaction. The TGA showed that heat treatment can improve the thermal stability, while the degradability was not changed.