Development and Characterization of Agar-Starch-Based Bioplastic Films

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Bioplastics offer sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics.
• Agar and starch are abundant biopolymers with potential for composite development.
• Controlling biopolymer ratios is crucial for tailoring material properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of varying agar-to-starch ratios on the mechanical, thermal, and physical properties of composite bioplastic films.
• To identify an optimal agar-starch ratio for balanced performance and environmental degradability.
• To assess the biodegradability of agar-starch films under different environmental conditions.

Main Methods:

• Solution casting of agar-starch composite films with glycerol plasticizer.
• Characterization using tensile testing (ASTM D882-18), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR).
• Evaluation of water absorption, physical properties, and biodegradability (water, UV, soil).

Main Results:

• The 3:1 agar-to-starch ratio (A3S1) exhibited the highest tensile strength (2.78 MPa) and good elongation (57.25%).
• Increasing agar content enhanced thermal stability, with degradation onset temperatures between 42.89 °C and 51.84 °C.
• Higher starch content correlated with increased thickness, water absorption, and flexibility, while the 3:1 ratio offered a balance of strength and water resistance.

Conclusions:

• Agar-starch ratio significantly influences the performance of bioplastic films.
• The 3:1 agar-starch formulation presents a promising balance of mechanical strength, thermal stability, and water resistance.
• All developed agar-starch bioplastics demonstrated environmental degradability in water, UV, and soil conditions.