Obtaining bioplastic from Opuntia ficus indica reinforced with starch from Ipomoea batatas

Authors

Gamboa Najarro, Sandra

Castañeda Olivera, Carlos A.

Benites Alfaro, Elmer G.

Abstract

Currently, several countries overuse conventional plastics, generating negative alterations in the environment. Opuntia ficus indica and Ipomoea batatas can generate biofilms competitive with commercial plastics. Therefore, the objective of this research was to obtain bioplastic from Opuntia ficus indica reinforced with starch from Ipomoea batatas. For the elaboration of the bioplastic, pectin was extracted from Opuntia ficus indica and mixed with glycerin, acetic acid, cinnamon powder and clove powder. On the other hand, starch from Ipomoea batatas was obtained by the process of grating, addition of water and filtration. Nine bioplastic samples were obtained with different doses of pectin and starch. The results indicated that the bioplastic sample with 180 g of pectin and 30 g of starch presented the best mechanical properties with tensile strength of 1.5 N, density of 0.45 g/cm3 and elongation of 15.85%. In addition, the bioplastic presented good biodegradability in agricultural soil, with an approximate percentage of 89% in 30 days of contact. Finally, it is concluded that the bioplastic obtained complied with the elasticity and breaking properties, being suitable for the elaboration of bags for plants and compost for agricultural use, mainly due to its rapid biodegradability.