Characterization and Parametric Study on Mechanical Properties Enhancement in Biodegradable Chitosan-Reinforced Starch-Based Bioplastic Film

Abstract

Bioplastic has been perceived as a promising candidate to replace petroleum-based plastics due to its environment-friendly and biodegradable characteristics. This study presents the chitosan-reinforced, starch-based bioplastic film prepared by the solution casting and evaporation method. The effects of processing parameters, i.e., starch concentration, glycerol loading, process temperature and chitosan loading on mechanical properties were examined. Optimum tensile strength of 5.19 MPa and elongation at break of 44.6% were obtained under the combined reaction conditions of 5 wt.% starch concentration, 40 wt.% glycerol loading, 20 wt.% chitosan loading and at a process temperature of 70 °C. From the artificial neural network (ANN) modeling, the coefficient of determination (R2) for tensile strength and elongation at break were found to be 0.9955 and 0.9859, respectively, which proved the model had good fit with the experimental data. Interaction and miscibility between starch and chitosan were proven through the peaks shifting to a lower wavenumber in FTIR and a reduction of crystallinity in XRD. TGA results suggested the chitosan-reinforced starch-based bioplastic possessed reasonable thermal stability under 290 °C. Enhancement in water resistance of chitosan-incorporated starch-based bioplastic film was evidenced with a water uptake of 251% as compared to a 302% registered by the pure starch-based bioplastic film. In addition, the fact that the chitosan-reinforced starch-based bioplastic film degraded to 52.1% of its initial weight after 28 days suggests it is a more sustainable alternative than the petroleum-based plastics.

Chitosan as an Outstanding Polysaccharide Improving Health-Commodities of Humans and Environmental Protection

“…Chitosan-reinforced films had a lower water uptake capability, as compared with pure starch-based films; furthermore, pure starch-based and chitosan-reinforced films are subjected to applications below 316 °C and 290 °C, respectively. Additionally, a biodegradation test was conducted in compost soil, obtaining that the bioplastic containing chitosan underwent slower degradation which might be due to the starch-chitosan interaction and the reduced hydrophilicity ( Figure 6 ) [ 18 ]. Researchers have also demonstrated that chitosan can be uniformly integrated into polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a typical packaging material for disposable soft drink bottles, through the extrusion process.…”

“… Weight loss percentages of biodegradable plastic films, based on starch and starch-chitosan, during a burial period. The figure was taken from the literature [ 18 ]. …”

“…Indeed, unlike chitin and cellulose, the presence of amino groups allows to perform chemical reactions specific to this reactive site. Depending on the desired goal, chitosan can be used either as the main component [ 15 , 16 ] or as an adjuvant along with other materials [ 17 , 18 ] for specific purposes. Another interesting property is its versatility, as chitosan can be used in different technological forms, such as solutions, powders, fibers, and films, depending on the intended application.…”

Sustainable, High-Performance, and Biodegradable Plastics Made from Chitin

“…Most applications associated with such bioplastics, such as packaging and containers, typically operate at temperatures ranging from room temperature to just over 100 °C. These operating temperatures are well below what the chitin bioplastic of this work can withstand . In addition, the contact angle of the chitin bioplastic to water and peanut oil was explored (Figure c).…”

“…These operating temperatures are well below what the chitin bioplastic of this work can withstand. 56 In addition, the contact angle of the chitin bioplastic to water and peanut oil was explored (Figure 6c). The contact angle of the chitin bioplastic with water was larger than that of peanut oil, suggesting its surface hydrophobicity.…”