Síntesis de un polímero compostable a partir de almidón, como una alternativa para preparar plásticos de primer uso

Abstract

Single-use plastics have become a global problem. The alternative to these plastics are compostable polymers. The objective of the present study was to develop compostable polymers from starch from green (Musa paradisíaca) peel using the dry method. The native starch obtained is a viable and low-cost source for obtaining compostable and biodegradable polymers. Biopolymers were elaborated, keeping constant the amount of acetic acid of 29.4 g and 80 g of water, by means of a 2 factorial experimental design at k=3, formed by 3 factors and 2 levels of study. The most significant factors in obtaining the films were: mass ratio of starch to hydroxyethylcellulose and amount of glycerin. The yield was 69.63% for the synthesis of the biopolymers synthesized at a temperature of 80°C, with a mass ratio of starch to hydroxyethylcellulose of 1:4 and an amount of glycerin of 40.32 g. In addition, the biopolymers were characterized by FTIR, TGA and DSC techniques in physicochemical properties such as thickness, moisture and solubility. In the tests, solubility was found to be between 10% and 17% with humidity between 9% and 37%. To conclude this study, their degree of compostability was evaluated according to the ASTM D 6400 standard, which determined that they are compostable polymers.