Preparation of rice straw and starch-based biodegradable decorative materials

Based on environmental protection and use of agricultural residues, rice straw/starch composites were manufactured using molding method. The influences of pretreatment on rice straw fiber characteristics and physical-mechanical properties of decorative materials were studied. Results showed that pretreatment could change straw fiber surface properties or remove its chemical composition partly, and improve fiber wettability. Mechanical properties were the best with straw decorative materials treated by hot-water and adhesives content at 10%. The decorative materials after 2 h had great thickness swelling and poor waterproof, but considerable moisture proof and environment-friendly properties, and such materials could be used for indoor decorative materials.