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Preparation and Characterization of Dual-Modified Cassava Starch-Based Biodegradable Foams for Sustainable Packaging
Sumedha M Amaraweera1, Chamila Gunathilake2,3, Oneesha H P Gunawardene2
1Department of Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka.
ACS Omega
|June 20, 2022
Summary
Biodegradable foams from cassava starch were created using microwave and freeze-drying methods. These sustainable materials show promise for eco-friendly packaging, replacing petroleum-based foams.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Sustainable Chemistry
Background:
- Petroleum-based foams like expanded polystyrene (EPS) and expanded polypropylene (EPP) pose environmental challenges.
- Starch and its derivatives offer a renewable and sustainable alternative for foam production.
- Developing biodegradable materials is crucial for reducing plastic waste and promoting a circular economy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel biodegradable foam materials from cassava starch.
- To investigate the effects of a dual modification technique (microwave treatment and freeze-drying) on starch foam properties.
- To evaluate the potential of these starch-based foams as replacements for petroleum-based packaging materials.
Main Methods:
- Cassava starch solutions were modified using a combination of microwave treatment and freeze-drying.
- Foam materials were characterized using FTIR, TGA, XRD, SEM, 13C-NMR, and compression set tests.
- Water absorption, density, and biodegradability (aerobic compost) were assessed according to ASTM standards.
Main Results:
- Dual-modified cassava starch foams exhibited low water absorption (65.56% at 2h, 70.83% at 24h) with a 20s microwave treatment.
- Lightweight foams had densities ranging from 124 to 245 kg/m³.
- Significant biodegradation (>50% after 15 days) was observed for all prepared foam materials.
Conclusions:
- The dual modification technique effectively produced biodegradable foam materials from cassava starch.
- These starch-based foams demonstrate favorable properties for sustainable packaging applications.
- The developed materials present a viable eco-friendly alternative to conventional petroleum-based foams.
