0
Article Tier 2 Sign in to save

Enset starch-based biocomposite film reinforced with Ethiopian bentonite clay: Improved mechanical and barrier properties

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 2024 6 citations

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers developed an eco-friendly food packaging film made from enset starch reinforced with Ethiopian bentonite clay as an alternative to conventional plastics. Adding 5% bentonite clay increased the film's strength by 132% and reduced water permeability by 42%, making it a more practical option for food packaging. The study demonstrates a promising biodegradable material that could help reduce microplastic pollution from traditional plastic packaging.

Improper disposal of traditional plastics leads to the generation of microplastics, resulting in severe pollution of land and oceans and posing a threat to human health and marine ecosystems. Hence, adopting eco-friendly bioplastics, particularly in food packaging, is essential. In this study, Enset starch-based biocomposite films, reinforced with Ethiopian bentonite clay at various ratios (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 % w/w) were prepared using solvent casting method. The effect of bentonite clay on biocomposite films on structural, physicochemical, and morphological properties were analyzed. Characterization tests confirmed the even distribution of bentonite, strengthening of bonds, and enhancement of the biocomposite film properties. The biocomposite film with 5 wt% bentonite clay incorporation into enset starch exhibits optimal performance; maximum strength (increased by 132 %), less water solubility (reduction in 33 %), reduction in water vapor permeability (decreased by 42 %), and better compatibility in the morphologies attributed by the intercalated silicate layer. This study highlights the effectiveness of bentonite clay in enhancing enset starch biocomposite properties, offering a promising eco-friendly solution for biodegradable food packaging and promoting sustainable resource utilization.

More Papers Like This

Article Tier 2

Enhancing water resistance and mechanical properties of starch‐based edible biofilms through chitosan, seaweed, and sodium tripolyphosphate modifications

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers developed improved starch-based edible biofilms using chitosan, seaweed, and sodium tripolyphosphate as sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic food wrapping. The study found that these modifications significantly enhanced the biofilms' mechanical strength and water resistance while maintaining non-toxic and antimicrobial properties, offering a promising eco-friendly replacement for conventional plastic packaging.

Book Chapter

Evaluation and Optimization of Sustainable Ecofriendly Bio-based Micro-composites for Smart Packaging Application Using Micro-Clay Particles as Reinforcement

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers developed and evaluated bio-based micro-composite packaging films reinforced with micro-clay particles, optimizing formulations to achieve mechanical and barrier properties competitive with conventional plastics while retaining the environmental benefits of biodegradable matrices.

Article Tier 2

Desarrollo de biopelículas degradables a partir de harina de fruta de pan (Artocarpus altilis), como alternativa al uso de plásticos sintéticos convencionales

AI summary Read the abstract

Biodegradable biofilms were developed from breadfruit flour (Artocarpus altilis) as a sustainable alternative to conventional synthetic plastic packaging. The biofilms were characterized for physical, mechanical, and barrier properties, offering a compostable food packaging material that reduces microplastic waste.

Article Tier 2

A Study of Physical and Mechanical Properties: Durian Peel Starch-Sago Starch Biocomposite Bioplastic with Sorbitol Plasticizer Reinforced by Chitosan and Zinc Oxide

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers developed bioplastic films by combining durian peel starch with sago starch, sorbitol plasticizer, chitosan, and zinc oxide nanoparticles, and assessed their physical and mechanical properties. The resulting biocomposite showed improved tensile strength and flexibility compared to single-starch films, offering a biodegradable packaging alternative that avoids the microplastic release associated with conventional plastics.

Article Tier 2

An Antibacterial and Antioxidant Food Packaging Film Based on Amphiphilic Polypeptides‐Resveratrol‐Chitosan

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers developed a biodegradable food packaging film made from natural materials including chitosan and resveratrol that kills bacteria and prevents food spoilage. Unlike conventional plastic packaging that breaks down into microplastics, this film is made entirely from biological materials and poses no microplastic contamination risk. This type of eco-friendly alternative could help reduce the microplastics that enter the food supply through traditional plastic packaging.

Research digests by email

When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.

Email me about

Share this paper