Obtención de un plástico biodegradable a partir del almidón de jengibre (Zingiber officinale) para su uso en el embalaje de alimentos

Abstract

This research objective was to obtain a biodegradable plastic from the ginger starch (Zingiber officinale) for food packaging use. The first step was the starch extraction through two routes, the wet route and the dry one, obtaining a better yield through the wet route with a value of 8.40%. With the obtained starch, the physicochemical characterization took place based on the INEN1456 standard, with favorable results that allow its use in the bioplastic production. To know about the correct formulation to be used in the bioplastics elaboration, previous tests were carried out to determine the adequate concentrations of starch and plasticizer, finally resulting in four bioplastics of different formulation. To know about the quality of each one, different tests were conducted. In the thickness test of the sheets, the average was 0.2mm. On the other hand, in the solubility test, formulation four obtained 36.11% being the highest one unlike the other formulations. Regarding permeability, each of the bioplastics presented similar values. The degradability test was carried out on three media: soil, water and environment, resulting in, at the fifth week, a degradation in the water of approximately 98%; however, in the environment, the degradation did not exceed the 50%. On the other hand, in the traction tests, favorable results were obtained since the resistance was high in each bioplastic and the elongation was higher than 50%. Finally, by the analysis of the obtained results, it can be affirmed that the obtained plastic is of good quality. However, it is recommended to experiment with other additives to improve quality.