Effectiveness of Using Potato Starch as a Plasticizer in Developing Bioplastic Films

Abstract

The adverse environmental impacts of conventional plastics have spurred interest in exploring sustainable alternatives such as bioplastics. Bioplastic is a universal term for polymers made of renewable biomass sources. As a beneficial result, bioplastics usually biodegrade in about 180 days in opposition to traditional plastics, which remain in the environment for decades to centuries. Bioplastics are made of different biomass sources, such as corn starch, potato starch, or cellulose. Plants naturally produce these substances. This research investigates the efficacy of potato starch as a potential plasticizer in developing bioplastic films to assess its potential as an eco-friendly and renewable substitute for traditional plasticizers. To synthesize bioplastic from potato starch, we did some preliminary experiments to determine the adequate proportion of the ingredients. The production of plastic requires a plasticizer (Potato starch), a polymer (Glycerol), a solvent (Water), and an acid (Vinegar). Film formulations are prepared by incorporating different ratios of potato starch into a biopolymer matrix. The films are then analyzed using various techniques to assess tensile strength, elongation at break, water vapor permeability, and biodegradability. The preliminary findings of our experiment indicate that potato starch can be used as a plasticizer. The experiment results indicate that a film composed of 125 milliliters of solvent (water) and 11 grams of plasticizer (potato starch) is flexible and dense, which can be used for several applications in daily life. The test results indicated that the produced films could withstand an average of 3.56 newtons, elongation could average 9.3 millimeters, and elongation could average 9.3 millimeters. The findings indicate that potato starch can be used in developing bioplastic films in terms of tensile strength, elongation at break, water solubility, and biodegradability. By providing enhanced flexibility and elongation properties, potato starch offers a promising avenue for the development of sustainable and eco-friendly bioplastics. This plasticizer could be used to produce bioplastic, which could be ecologically and cost-effective. Furthermore, using potato starch as a plasticizer aligns with sustainability principles, as it is derived from a renewable and readily available resource.