Corn and Rice Starch-Based Bio-Plastics as Alternative Packaging Materials

TLDR

Synthetic plastics harm the environment, prompting the development of biodegradable starch‑based composites for industrial and commercial use. The present work investigates corn and rice starch‑based bioplastics for packaging applications. Various samples of bioplastics were produced with different compositions of corn and rice starch, glycerol, citric acid, and gelatin, and the best sample was further analyzed for thickness, biodegradability, SEM, hydrophilicity, thermogravimetric analysis, and sealing properties. Tensile properties improved with rice starch addition, while water absorption and solubility decreased, demonstrating the suitability of rice and corn‑based thermoplastic starch for packaging.

Abstract

Due to the negative environmental impacts of synthetic plastics, the development of biodegradable plastics for both industrial and commercial applications is essential today. Researchers have developed various starch-based composites for different applications. The present work investigates the corn and rice starch-based bioplastics for packaging applications. Various samples of bioplastics are produced, with different compositions of corn and rice starch, glycerol, citric acid, and gelatin. The tensile properties were improved after adding rice starch. However, water absorption and water solubility were reduced. On the basis of these results, the best sample was analyzed for thickness testing, biodegradability properties, SEM, hydrophilicity, thermogravimetric analysis, and sealing properties of bioplastic. The results show the suitability of rice and corn-based thermoplastic starch for packaging applications.