Development of biodegradable bioplastic films from Taro starch reinforced with bentonite

Abstract

Single-use plastics are of great concern as they cannot be efficiently recycled and are non-biodegradable, causing pollution by accumulating in landfills and affecting marine organisms. Bioplastics can be used to replace such single-use plastics as they are biodegradable and renewable. This study used Taro starch (Colocasia esculenta) to generate bioplastic films reinforced with bentonite at varying concentrations. Scanning electron microscope and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results showed that the films formed were homogeneous and confirmed the functional groups of Taro starch. It was found that the gelation temperature of the starch was 75 °C using a differential scanning calorimetry. With the increase in bentonite concentration, the tensile strength of the bioplastic film was found to increase. The bentonite films exhibited more resistance to salt and acid, were susceptible to alkali and showed minor swelling. The soil degradation studies showed that the films were biodegradable and could potentially replace synthetic plastics.

Keywords

• Bioplastic
• Taro starch
• Bentonite
• Glass transition temperature
• Glycerol