Fecha de publicación: -- Fuente: Journal of applied polymer Lugar: RESEARCH ARTICLE Overview of the fabrication, characterization, and biodegradation assessment of biomass-based bioplastics (BBBs) produced from renewable biopolymers. Comparative evaluation with market available bioplastics (MPs) included tensile strength, surface morphology (SEM), FTIR, TOC, TGA, XRD, and moisture content analyses. Composting studies demonstrated up to 98% biodegradation of biomass-based bioplastics within 28 days, whereas commercial plastics exhibited negligible degradation.

ABSTRACT
This study presents the development of three biomass-based bioplastics (BBBs) formulations and compares their properties with two market-available bioplastics (MPs). Comprehensive characterization is carried out to evaluate opacity, mechanical strength, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), contact angle measurement, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Total Organic Carbon (TOC), moisture content, and biodegradability. The results show that BBBs exhibit a tensile strength in the range of (1.272 ± 0.05–1.297 ± 0.07) MPa, while FTIR and XRD analysis confirmed similar functional groups (OH, CO) and structural crystallinity, indicating comparable polymeric structures. SEM images revealed variations in surface morphology due to the natural biopolymer matrix in BBBs, whereas MPs exhibit a more compact and uniform morphology along with filler particles. A significant reduction in TOC (37.9%–43.1% to 4.2%–14.5%) for BBBs confirmed effective biodegradation, while it remained minimal for MPs. Moisture content is higher in BBBs (19.43% ± 0.5%–24.56% ± 0.45%) compared to MPs (0.01%–0.02%), influencing hydrophilicity and flexibility. Also, surface wettability of the bioplastic films was evaluated using water contact angle measurements, confirming their hydrophilic nature. Biodegradability tests under laboratory conditions over 28 days show 70%–98% degradation in BBBs, whereas MPs exhibit limited degradation under ambient composting conditions. Despite slightly lower mechanical strength, BBBs demonstrate superior biodegradability and eco-compatibility. Furthermore, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) indicates significantly lower emissions for BBBs. The study highlights the potential of BBBs as sustainable and environmentally compatible alternatives for diverse applications.