Obtención de Bioplástico a partir de semillas de aguacate utilizando un Método Químico

Abstract

The objective of this development project was, to obtain bioplastic from avocado seeds (Persea Americana Mill.) using a chemical method; for this, starch was obtained from locally produced avocado seeds. Native starch was generated and modified by the incorporation of acetic acid (modified starch). All starch samples were subjected to characterization processes giving average density values of 539.33g/L, 6.71 pH and gelatinization temperature of 79.67 ºC for native starch and 566g/L, 6.93, and 77 .33 ºC in the modified starch. The samples were also subjected to FT-IR spectroscopy for analysis, of functional groups and representative zones of molecular vibrations. The chemical method called casting was applied; with the synthesized starches, bioplastic was obtained from native and modified starch. These samples were characterized to determine thicknesses between 0.10 and 0.21 mm, and weights between 0.13 and 0.38g, yielding up to 29.39%. The tests showed values of maximum stress of 1.83Mpa, maximum load of 3.07N, maximum deformation of 29.63%, maximum displacement of 5.48, and load breakage of 0.52N for native bioplastic, while for modified bioplastic the values of 10.34MPa, 16.155N and 12.80% and 11.7 mm and 1.94N. Finally, the biodegradability tests determined results of 100% degradation in the presence of water in times between 20 and 30 days, with soil around 50% degradation was achieved in 30 days, and even, total degradation could be obtained in longer times and finally, the samples were not able to degrade in the presence of air. Based on the results obtained, it is important to develop reproducibility of the method and, in addition, apply more characterization and biodegradability tests of the samples, since this could determine potential applications to the proposed bioplastic.