Effect of Plasticizer on Mechanical and Moisture Absorption Properties of Eco-friendly Corn Starch-based Bioplastic

摘要

Plastics are extensively used in every facet of our lives. But at the same time, petroleum-based plastics have hazardous effect on the environment. Bioplastics, made from biological materials represent an effective solution to this problem. Starch based bioplastics account for the major portion of the bioplastic market. In the manufacture of starch-based thermoplastics, plasticizers are added to the polymer matrix to enhance its flexibility. This study examined the effect of glycerol as plasticizer on the mechanical and moisture absorption properties of starch-based bioplastics. Varying amount of glycerol was used to produce bioplastics and then their tensile strength, density and moisture content were determined. It was observed that, there is a decreasing trend in tensile strength and moisture content with increase in the amount of glycerol, whereas, this trend gets inverted in case of density.