To reduce over-dependency on manmade (synthetic) polymers in applications author primarily aimed at synthesizing plant-based polysaccharide composites to explore their potential applications for remediation of wastewater. Most fossil-derived polymers suffered from being toxic and lack of complete degradation profile. Natural and renewable feedstock such as polysaccharide and their corresponding novel composite can be good alternatives. This would protect our environment from pollution impacts.
Hence, author systematically design to fabricate new-type polysaccharide composite from mucilaginous polysaccharide isolated from the underutilized Colocasia var. esculenta (taro) plant. The mucilage as native polysaccharide symbolized as CM throughout this work. Other raw materials selected by author are biodegradable lactide/polylactide (or PLA) as matrix, and natural bentonite clay (BTC) as agent of reinforcement. These are quite compatible with living matter. Taro, a member of aroid family, is widely cultivated and consumed as staple food across most parts of India. Hence, there exist great potential for mucilage isolatation from it, for subsequent modifications and its possible utilization in field of wastewater treatment in particular.
The literature has clearly stated that reports on modification and applications of polysaccharide from aroids rarely found. The present work aimed to explore the derivative of the mucilage (viscous natural polymer) from one of such crop, in the name of taro.
