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Stability and Composting Behaviour of PLA–Starch Laminates Containing Active Extracts and Cellulose Fibres from Rice Straw
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Researchers evaluated the stability and composting behavior of biodegradable laminates made from poly(lactic acid) and starch, with and without active plant extracts and cellulose fibers from rice straw. They found that starch layers became stiffer over time due to retrogradation, while PLA layers remained relatively stable during storage. The study suggests these bio-based laminates can serve as compostable alternatives to conventional plastic packaging.
The stability and composting behaviour of monolayers and laminates of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and starch with and without active extracts and cellulose fibres from rice straw (RS) were evaluated. The retrogradation of the starch throughout storage (1, 5, and 10 weeks) gave rise to stiffer and less extensible monolayers with lower water vapour barrier capacity. In contrast, the PLA monolayers, with or without extract, did not show marked changes with storage. However, these changes were more attenuated in the bilayers that gained water vapour and oxygen barrier capacity during storage, maintaining the values of the different properties close to the initial range. The bioactivity of the active films exhibited a slight decrease during storage, so the antioxidant capacity is better preserved in the bilayers. All monolayer and bilayer films were fully composted within 90 days but with different behaviour. The bilayer assembly enhanced the biodegradation of PLA, whose monolayer exhibited a lag period of about 35 days. The active extract reduced the biodegradation rate of both mono- and bilayers but did not limit the material biodegradation within the time established in the Standard. Therefore, PLA-starch laminates, with or without the valorised fractions from RS, can be considered as biodegradable and stable materials for food packaging applications.
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