Abstract

MOYA ALVARADO, Guillermo; MIRANDA MORALES, Bárbara  and  JIMENEZ VILLALTA, Guillermo. Biodegradable plastic production based on cassava starch through a thermomechanical process. Ingeniería [online]. 2024, vol.35, n.1, pp.1-11. ISSN 2215-2652.  http://dx.doi.org/10.15517/ri.v35i1.59540.

The present research aims to formulate a thermoplastic polymer based on starch (TPS) extracted from a cassava variety, through a thermomechanical processing in an internal mixer. Three formulations, guided by preliminary tests, were analyzed to choose a base formulation. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) was chosen to reinforce TPS. Likewise, a statistical study of the processing conditions was carried out, from which the temperature was optimized at 110 °C, the rotor speed at 75 rpm (1,25 Hz), and the processing time at 6 min. Finally, through adjustment of the relative percentages of the components, a material with a tensile stress of (15,4 ± 0,9) MPa and a strain deformation of (44 ± 11) % was achieved. An aging test showed that properties of the TPS materials reached stabilization after 15 days of their formation. In the same way, a biodegradability test showed a reduction in the plastic mass of (98,5 ± 0,3) % after 22 days of being buried. Under controlled conditions, the material exhibits adequate mechanical properties for use in everyday applications; however, it is necessary to address its sensitivity to ambient humidity, as this significantly influences these mechanical properties.

Keywords : Biodegradable; cassava; plastic; starch; thermomechanical processing.

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