Abstract:
The main objective of this research is to develop a
biodegradable packaging material based on Polylactic Acid
(PLA) and locally extracted starch. PLA is a biodegradable and
bioactive polymer derived from renewable resources. Starch is a
biodegradable polymer that can be extracted from different types
of plant-based materials such as cassava tubers. Starch was
extracted from cassava tubers by crushing, blending and
sedimentation processes. The extracted product was
characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopic
technique (FTIR). Experimental results indicated that 25 wt. %
of starch could be extracted from the cassava that was tested.
Biodegradable PLA and starch-based blends were prepared by
adding starch as the main additive. Soil burial test was
performed to analyze the biodegradability of the developed
product. Weight loss in starch containing samples gradually
increased with time during the soil burial test. Experimental
results also indicated that biodegradability of the products
increased as the starch content is increased. The mechanical
properties such as tensile strength and elongation also decreased
as the starch content increased. These results indicated that the
addition of starch to PLA is a better method to increase the
biodegradability of the PLA –starch blends.
