Tapioca starch based biodegradable film : a preliminary study

Abstract

Pofyethyfene (PE) is one of the mass produced non-degradabfe polymers and various types of PE are used extensively in many fields, including food-packaging films. There has been an increased interest in enhancing the biodegradability of PEs by bfending them with a cheap natural polymer. Low density polyethyfene (LDPE)/tapioca starch biodegradable fifm were prepared by twin-screw extrusion with the addition of glycerol as processing aid. The extrudates were then bfown using blow film extrusion machine to produce plastic sheet. Studies on the characteristics of the fifms were carried out by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and melt flow index. The spectra showaff the significant features of LDPE and tapioca starch in the film. Peak at 3300 to 3490 cm-I refers to stretching vibration -0H groups from starch and this peak is increase as the starch loading increase. Addition of starch and glycerol to the film has ;ncreased the melt flow index of the blends.