PRODUCTION OF BIODEGRADABLE PACKAGING MATERIAL

ABSTRACT

This project deals with the synthesis of insoluble film which is biodegradable and can be used as a packaging material. The primary objective is to chemically modify cassava starch and cast to dialdehyde starch into film. The methodology involves the extraction of cassava starch from the tuber and chemically modified (Oxidize) it using sodium periodate at a controlled temperature and pH thereby clearing the hydroxyl at C2 and C3 of the starch repeated unit and introducing carbonyl group, and then casting the oxidized product (dialdehyde cassava starch) containing the degree of oxidation 20.58%, 31.51%, 46.30%, 55.30% and 66.88% into film using solvent casting method. Key findings reveal that the oxidized starch solubility deceases greatly compare to the native starch, and does not dissolve at a high temperature compare to the native starch which form gel with water a high temperature. Notably The wet dialdehyde cassava starch was observed to dissolve in glycerol at higher temperature and longer time but due to the higher molecular weight and boiling point of the glycerol the drying of the film seems difficult. Other polyols of lower molecular weight and boiling point are to be explore. Overall, this research contributes to the ongoing exploration of natural products as a valuable source of bioplastic. Further studies are warranted to complete the synthesis and determine the thermal stability, mechanical properties, solubility and biodegradability of the dialdehyde film. Keywords: Dialdehyde Cassava Starch, Sodium Periodate, Biodegradable plastic.