Potato Starch-Based Composites for Industrial Application

Haydar Zaman; Ruhul A. Khan

Abstract

Plastic has become an essential element in our daily life. Plastics derived from polyolefins such as polyethylene are currently used in plastic film for food wrapping, garbage bags, mulching, compost bags, and many more. These plastics are typically inactive and resistant to microbial attack and hence they remain in nature for a long time without any deformation and has a harmful effect on atmosphere. Biodegradable plastics can help solve this problem. One of the most recommended uses for starch-based degradable plastics is composting lawns, gardens and shrubs, which can reduce the amount of material entering landfills. In this article, biodegradable blend of polyethylene and starch was prepared by melt compounding method followed by injection molding. Samples were prepared with different levels of starch (10%, 20%, and 30%). The influence of starch concentration and chemical modification with additives on the fundamental properties of composites were investigated. Tensile test outcomes showed that the loss of tensile features of unmodified and modified composites increased with increasing starch concentration. Moisture uptake of unmodified and modified composites increased as starch concentration and soaking time increased. Performed to analyze the biodegradability of composites exposed to polyethylene/starch composites in water and soil environments. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) allowed biodegradation of polyethylene/starch blends. The outcomes allowed that the polyethylene/starch mixture was degradable in water and soil. Weight loss and tensile property loss increased with increasing starch and exposure time in water and soil environments, respectively. This method can be used to reduce environmental pollution.

Potato Starch-Based Composites for Industrial Application

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