Material characterization of starch derived bio degradable plastics and its mechanical property estimation

• Published in: Materials today : proceedings 2018, Vol.5 (1), p.2163-2170
• Main Authors: Ashok, Anagha, Abhijith, R., Rejeesh, C.R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bio plastics; Biodegradation; Material characterization; Mechanical property estimation; Starch
• ISSN: 2214-7853; 2214-7853
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2017.09.214

The extraordinary versatility and manufacturability of plastics has tremendously benefited the society in terms of economics, however, this prosperity paid a price in the form of depleting fossil fuels and adverse effects on the environment. In an attempt to minimize these undesirable consequences, researchers all over the world focused on establishing alternative sources that are renewable, sustainable and biodegradable which led to the development of bioplastics, where 100% of the carbon is derived from renewable agricultural sources. Bio plastics are considered to be superior to fossil fuel derived conventional plastics in terms of energy efficiency, petroleum consumption and carbon emission, but inferior in applicability. Any breakthrough in improving the manufacturability of bio plastics can help reduce dependency on petroleum-based polymers, accumulation of persistent plastic waste and better control over C02 emissions in the environment. This paper investigates starch bioplastics for biodegradability and mechanical properties like hardness and impact strength. It also attempts to characterize bioplastics through techniques like thermo gravimetric analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis.