Potato starch-based bioplastics synthesized using glycerol–sorbitol blend as a plasticizer: characterization and performance analysis

M. Patel, S. Islam, P. Kallem, R. Patel, F. Banat, A. Patel

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

The demand for petroleum-based plastics is a major threat and has had several negative impacts on the environment. Biodegradable plastics are becoming increasingly attractive due to their cost-effectiveness and eco-friendly properties. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the properties of biodegradable plastic films produced using a low-cost starch source (potato) with a blend of glycerol and sorbitol as the plasticizers. A total of 10 bioplastic films were prepared by varying the type and concentration of plasticizers at a ratio of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and the glycerol–sorbitol blend mixture at a ratio of 2:1, 1:2, and 1:1 (wt%) using the solution casting technique. Several characterization techniques were used to determine the morphological, structural, and chemical properties of the as-synthesized bioplastic films. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and morphology measurements verified the confirmation of potato starch bioplastics. Biofilms with glycerol: sorbitol blend plasticizer exhibited higher thermal stability and maximum tensile stress than films plasticized with glycerol. The results also showed that the films with a blend plasticizer exhibited better compatible morphology than those plasticized with glycerol. The results indicate that the synthesized bioplastic samples have great potential for various applications, especially as packaging materials.

Original languageBritish English
JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Science and Technology
DOIs
StateAccepted/In press - 2022

Keywords

  • Biodegradability
  • Bioplastic
  • Glycerol–sorbitol blend
  • Plasticizer
  • Potato starch

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Potato starch-based bioplastics synthesized using glycerol–sorbitol blend as a plasticizer: characterization and performance analysis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this