Reciclaje de las virutas residuales de wet-blue de una curtiembre de Ambato para la producción de un bioplástico

Abstract

Currently tanning industry is an active part of the socioeconomic development in Ecuador, as a consequence, the production of this industry generates large amounts of waste with negative environmental impact. Chrome shaving form part of this waste, whose structure is collagen (stabilized with chromium) that can be recovered at its hydrolyzed form and used for bioplastic formulations, contributing to a circular economy and sustainable development. The hydrolyzed collagen was obtained through alkaline hydrolysis using NaOH at a concentration of 0.42 Molar for 150 minutes, with a high protein recovery (73.20 percent) and low chromium concentration (19.80 milligrams per Liters). This recovered product was mixed with matrices of PVA and achira starch, and plasticizer (glycerin), obtaining unfavorable results in high concentrations of hydrolyzed collagen and in formulations composed of starch due to its high adherence. Despite these results, the mechanical properties of two PVA polymers were characterized, thus finding that them present better characteristics than low-density polyethylene. Likewise, physicochemical degradation tests were carried out, where it showed a maximum water absorption at 30 minutes, and a degradation in soil, greater than 50 percent in 27 days. In conclusion, chromium shaving wastes can be used for production of bioplastics, however, the components and concentrations of these in the formulation must be considered.