*2.6. Preparation of TPS/B and TPS/C Bio-Composite and TPS/B/C Hybrid Bio-Composite Films*

The hybrid fillers of microcrystalline cellulose (C) and nano-bentonite (B) were added into the TPS solution and continuously stirred at 75–85 ◦C. After that, 0.5 g of sodium bicarbonate was added into 20 mL water in a 50mL beaker and then added into the TPS mixture. The mixture was continuously stirred for about 5 min to obtain viscous and transparent suspension. Then, the mixture was poured into Teflon-coated mold and placed in the oven at 45 ◦C for 24 h for drying. The unfilled TPS, TPS/B and TPS/C bio-composite films were also produced as control samples. The formulation of all samples and acronyms is summarized in Table 1.

**Table 1.** The formulation of thermoplastic (TPS) bio-composites and TPS hybrid bio-composites containing hybrid filler (C/B).


\* TPS bio-composite <sup>+</sup> TPS hybrid bio-composite.
