Valoración de la cáscara de Musa paradisiaca (plátano) residual, para la obtención de una lámina de plástico biodegradable para el uso en alimentos

Abstract

The aim of the research was to obtain biodegradable plastic sheets from residual banana peel (Musa paradisiaca) to be used as food wrapping. The raw material used was the starch from green banana peel obtained through the wet method. The starch extraction and the biodegradable plastic obtention was carried with the use of 2k experimental design as well as two variables and two components. Four treatments with four repetitions for each one were also obtained. Once the starch was extracted, it was put under a physical, chemical and microbiological analysis and the plastic sheets were put under a physical analysis, degradation and mechanical tests. It was concluded that treatment number four is the best for the starch extraction with 3.974%, since it reflects characteristics within the parameters established by the INEN 1456 standard. This demonstrates that it is appropriate to be used as a raw material in the production of plastic sheets. In addition, the four treatments used to obtain biodegradable plastic sheets are appropriate for being used as food wrapping. In the analysis of biodegradable plastic sheets, the sheets obtained with treatment number one reflected better tensile properties according to the INEN 2635 standard, as well as the best water vapor transmission rate according to ASTM D1653-93 standard and biodegradability it needs. This treatment requires 21 days for the plastic sheets to be completely degraded, so they are transformed into compostable plastic according to the INEN 2643 standard. It is recommended to continue with the assessment study of the different organic waste in order not to only to manufacture biodegradable plastic, but also to take advantage of several components this class of plastic presents in its structures, so that they can be used in different scientific fields.