Biology

Fabrication

Materials science

Botany

Pressing

Food science

Alternative medicine

Soy protein

Physics

Optics

Glory

Composite material

Absorption of water

Fiber

Hardwood

Medicine

Chemistry

Morning

Flexural strength

Pathology

Heliyon

This study aimed to investigate the preparation of soy protein isolated (SPI) cutlery incorporated with 5-20% (w/w) crude morning glory stem fiber (MGSF). SPI cutlery samples without and with MGSF were subjected to hydraulic hot press molding at 160 °C for 5 min pressing time. SPI with 5% MGSF showed decreased lightness values compared to the control SPI (without MGSF) (p < 0.05). Flexural modulus attained in SPI with 5% MGSF was higher and subsequently showed decreases in impact strength and compression load compared to the control SPI (p < 0.05). SPI with 5% MGSF sample showed slightly lower water absorption followed by decreases in degree of swelling and solubility with that of the control SPI (p < 0.05). Micrographs revealed a 5% MGSF formed uniform matrix with SPI in comparison to the control and other treatments that showed cracks with the increased fiber addition. Additionally, stiffness decreased with the addition of 5% MGSF to SPI thereby increasing deflection in comparison to the control SPI and other treatments. Thus, SPI cutlery added with 5% MGSF potentially retained the physical and mechanical properties of edible and biodegradable cutlery for food applications.

Fabrication of edible and biodegradable cutlery from morning glory (Ipomoea aquatic) stem fiber-reinforced onto soy protein isolate