BIODEGRADABLE MATERIALS BASED ON PLANT POLYSACCHARIDES FOR FOOD PACKAGING. PART 4: PROCESSES OCCURRING IN THE MATRIX OF THE MATERIAL

Abstract

Approximately 40% of food packaging is made from polymers from petroleum products. Over the past decades, the use of petroleum-based plastics for this purpose, such as low-density polyethylene, has been very intensive. However, due to the widespread use of disposable packaging materials and serious problems associated with their recycling, the development of environmentally friendly and renewable materials has become a priority. To solve this problem, the creation of biodegradable materials based on plant polysaccharides is being considered. Biopolymers such as starch, cellulose, pectin, gelatin, etc. are most often used as the main raw materials for the preparation of films with biodegradable ability. The purpose of this study was the preparation of samples of biodegradable materials with improved characteristics close to the analogue of packaging with an optimal ratio of the main ingredients (potato starch and flax cellulose) and the study of processes taking place in the matrix. During the study, such indicators as the surface structure of the film material using electron scanning microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, mechanical characteristics, thickness were evaluated in the samples of the material. As a result of processing experimental data of samples of biodegradable material, the best indicators were revealed in sample 4 (potato starch 2.0 % / linseed cellulose 0.5 %). The developed biodegradable material can be used to create packaging materials and short-term products to solve environmental problems associated with the disposal and accumulation of polymer waste from petroleum products.