Obtención de un biopolímero a partir de melloco (Ullucus tuberosus) para el uso como embalaje para alimentos

Abstract

The objective of this study was to obtain a biopolymer from the melloco tuber (Ullucus Tuberosus) in the use of food packaging. Several starch tests were carried out using the INEN 1456 STANDARD. To obtain the biopolymers, the starch extracted with plasticizer and additives was used, the 22 factorial experimental design was applied. Using proposed formulas, preliminary tests were carried out, through the casting method, where four biopolymers with better physical properties were selected, to carry out biodegradation tests; under the INEN 2643 permeability standard; according to the ASTMD1653-93 standard and traction, according to the INEN 2635- 012 standard. Results were generated such as drying time of 7 hours at 50 ° C ambient drying; After 4 days, its average thickness was: (0,09mm and 0,13mm), with a solubility of (18, 02% and 34%), its biodegradation occurred between (25 and 40 days), due to the amount of plasticizer already applied environmental conditions, a compostable polymer is verified, permeability tests were carried out, which generated 0,002511 and 0,001013 g / h.m.MPa). Finally, the tensile properties of the biopolymers were determined, such as the modulus of elasticity of: (8,821Mpa and 53,79Mpa), the maximum stress of: (2,53Mpa and 4,13Mpa). It is concluded, respectively, that compositions M1A and M1B, with starch concentrations of (2, 44% - 3, 61%) and plasticizer (1, 23% - 1, 84%) presented better results, due to the percentage of amylose present in melloco starch and the character hydrophilic plasticizer. It is recommended to carry out physicochemical tests and drying methods with different variables for the starch, in obtaining the biopolymer, altering its composition and environment, allowing to improve the tensile and physical properties of the biopolymer.