Synthesis and Characterization of Biodegradable Starch-Based Bioplastics

Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate the potential of plastic synthesized using bio-based starch. The method began with extraction of starch from chosen tubers with high content of starch; potato and yam. The samples were first grated, grinded and strained to obtain crude starch, which then centrifuged and rinsed to get pure starch. The starch was then reacted with hydrochloric acid to breakdown amylopectin to prevent the starch from becoming plastic-like. Finally, propan-1,2,3-triol was added as a plasticizer to increase the elasticity of the product. The chemical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the products were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), tensile strength tester and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The FTIR spectra of the product displayed the presence of O-H, C-H, C=O and C-O absorption peaks, which indicate the formation of bioplastic has already occured. The tensile strength obtained for potato and yam starch-based bioplastic are 0.6 MPa and 1.9 MPa, respectively. The result gained from TGA showed that 50% weight loss occurred at 250°C for potato and 310°C for yam-based plastic. The highly biodegradability of the plastic was proven using soil burial test, which observed the percentage of soil biodegradation for potato and yam-based bioplastic in 1 week duration is 43% and 26%, respectively. These bio-based plastics have exhibited good thermal and mechanical properties with high biodegradability that makes them a suitable alternative for the existing conventional plastics.

Characteristics and Properties of Biofilms Made from Pure Carrageenan Powder and Whole Seaweed (Kappaphycus sp.)

“…Biodegradability were tested using soil burial test as suggested by Ismail et al, [21] with slight modification, where biofilm samples were buried both indoor (room temperature, no outer stimuli, 49 ± 4% RH) and outdoor (soil MC 38.2 ± 3.2%, 28 ± 2 o C, 52 ± 3% RH). Percentage of degradation were determined using Eq.…”

Bioplastic Feasibility: Plastic Waste Disaster Management

“…Another research to reduce the cost of biodegradable plastic production has been attempted by two different studies in which blending of starch and Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) with waste newspaper pulp in different ratios [34,35]. The potato starch derived Bioplastic also showed good thermal resistance and mechanical properties [36].…”

Reforzamiento de películas biodegradables de almidón de semilla de mango mediante la incorporación de extracto de piel de mango para su uso como envase activo

“…Se puede observar la descomposición de las películas debido a la acción de microorganismos presentes en el suelo. El contenido de almidón consumido por los microorganismos del suelo fractura y debilita las cadenas de polímeros provocando su biodegradación [28].…”