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Optimizing biodegradable plastics: Molecular dynamics insights into starch plasticization with glycerol and oleic
Diana Margarita Mojica-Muñoz1, Karla Lizbeth Macías-Sánchez1, Estefanía Odemaris Juárez-Hernández1
1Unidad Profesional Interdisciplinaria de Ingeniería Campus Guanajuato, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. Mineral de Valenciana No. 200, Col. Fraccionamiento Industrial Puerto Interior, Silao de la Victoria, 36275, Guanajuato, Mexico.
Abstract:
Petroleum-based plastics dominate everyday life, necessitating the exploration of natural polymers as alternatives. Starch, abundant and biodegradable, is a promising raw material. However, understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying starch plasticization has proven challenging. To address this, we employ molecular dynamics simulations, focusing on amylose as a model. Our comprehensive evaluation revealed that chain size affects solubility, temperature influenced diffusivity and elastic properties, and oleic acid expressed potential as an alternative plasticizer. Furthermore, blending glycerol or oleic acid with water suggested the enhancement amylose's elasticity. These findings contribute to the design of sustainable and improved biodegradable plastics.
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