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

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.