Embalagem de espuma à base de amido desenvolvida a partir de subproduto da industrialização da batata (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Abstract

The use of petroleum-based packaging and its disposal in the environment presents several environmental problems, directing research towards the development of biopolymers as substitutes for conventional polymers. Therefore, this project aimed to develop a material for biodegradable packaging from by-products of potato industrialization (Solanum tuberosum L.). For that, ten formulations using the byproduct of potato industrialization, xanthan gum, high methoxil pectin and a natural fiber of oats were tested for the development of a biodegradable foam by thermo expansion process. Physical chemical analyzes were performed to characterize or byproduct. The three formulations composed of xanthan gum and oat fiber (C10, C15 and C20), with the best results were analized for morphology, mechanical properties and biodegradability of the final product. Both the absorption index and the water solubility were higher in the sample with 20% plasticizer and 20% fiber. Water activity was not affected by changes in additives. As the quantities with the highest concentration of additives showed greater resistance to mechanics, but there was alimit to these levels of resistance to foam. The most accentuated visual effect was the yellow color. The main foam degradation mechanism proposed was hydrolysis, with time between 7 and 20 days for complete decomposition. A combination of a byproduct of potato industrialization with xanthan gum and natural fiber allows the production of a promising substitute for synthetic polymers, providing an ecological solution for the use of agro-industrial by-products and with volume reduction of petroleum-based packaging waste. The material can be used in small disposable products or alternative packaging for dry foods, or applied to agriculture in seed trays, packaging for transporting plant seedlings or containers of compost.