Development of Starch/Keratin/Chitosan Composite Material as a Substitute for Polystyrene in Food Packaging

Date of publication 5 August 2019

Authors Chikotsi, Perseverance; Ncube, Lindani K.; Sibanda, Nqobizitha R.; Ndlovu, Lloyd N.; Nkomo, Nkosilathi Z.

Sources Journal of Polymer & Composites : 7 (DocId: 3) 1–7.

DOILink http://engineeringjournals.stmjournals.in/index.php/JoPC/article/view/3393

Abstract

The increase in awareness of the environmental impact of non-biodegradable waste from food packaging has seen manufacturers pushed towards initiating production of eco-friendly packaging materials. This research serves as a step forward in the direction of going green through the development of a composite material from natural and biodegradable polymers for the use in production of packaging material and fast foods. The composite was prepared from starch and chitosan with chicken feather biofibres incorporated as reinforcement. Biofibres were extracted from chicken feathers by comminution. Chitosan and starch solutions were prepared and mixed to give the mafrix forming solution. Feather biofibres were then added separately at 5, 10, 15 and 20 weight percentage to the chitosan-starch mafrix. The same concentration of the matrix solution and plasticiser was maintained for all the varying biofibre percentage weights. The composites were processed by a casting/solvent evaporation method, in which they were left at room temperature to dry for 72 hours. Tests were carried out on the resultant composites with reference to the specified standards. Polypropylene films were used as the control in comparing the final results of the tests. Tests conducted were to determine weight and density, tensile strength, water vapor absorption, oil repellence and chemical compatibility of the composite films. The conducted tests indicated that the resultant composites exhibited good properties due to the biofibre reinforcement and that there is room for improvement to produce the ideal food-packaging material.

TSC Opinion

La formulation de matériaux plastiques biosourcés et biodégradables est une priorité des laboratoires R&D à vocation industrielle travaillant sur les nouveaux_materiaux. Dans cette étude, les auteurs envisagent d’utiliser un mélange d’amidon, de kératine et de chitosan pour fabriquer des matériaux composites pouvant remplacer le polystyrène en emballage des aliments. Les films plastiques produits ont des caractéristiques techniques qui s’approchent de leurs homologues en PP. Malgré l’approche durable mise en avant, par l’aspect biosourcé et biodégradable, l’invention a peu d’intérêt au niveau global, car elle pérennise l’utilisation d’emballages à usage unique à priori non recyclable, alors que le polystyrène est recyclable. Les coûts matières du chitosan et de la kératine ne sont pas compatibles avec les modèles économiques des emballages alimentaires. Ceci démontre que dans le domaine de l’écoconception, la vue globale de l’économie circulaire est indispensable.

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