Synthesis of biodegradable plastic films from modified cassava starch using different glycerol concentrations.
Abstract
Environmental pollution due to plastic wastes that take too long to decompose has become a global problem. Incinerating plastic waste leads to release of hazardous gases, which are not good for humans and other living organisms in the nature. The development of bioplastics from modified cassava starch which may decompose with the assistance of microorganisms serves as the best alternative to overcome this problem. Therefore, the aim of this research study was to synthesize biodegradable plastic films from modified cassava starch using different glycerol concentrations as the plasticizer. Cassava flour was modified by heating a solution of cassava starch, PVA and citric acid at 75oc in a water bath for 1 hour. Cassava flour was modified because starch based bioplastics have low mechanical strength and damage if exposed to water. Hard cream like plastic films were synthesized.