Design and Optimization of Eco-Friendly Biocomposite Films for Packaging Applications Using Response Surface Methodology

Abstract

The use of synthetic polymers as packaging materials constitutes environmental pollution due to the accumulation of plastic waste after they are discarded. This study aimed at preparing and optimizing an environmental-friendly carboxymethyl starch/PVA/kaolin composite film using response surface methodology to develop potential solutions for replacing synthetic packaging and optimize the formulation of the biocomposite films. The biocomposite films were prepared by solution casting method. The interactive effect of carboxymethyl starch (CMS) (2.0-5.0 g), poly(vinylalcohol) (PVA) (0.0-3.0 g) and kaolin (0.00-0.22 g) on the ultimate tensile strength (UTS), percentage elongation at break (%EB) and water vapour permeability (WVP) were determined. The central composite design (CCD) was used to optimize the compositions of the composite films to yield best properties. The results showed that the interaction of PVA and kaolin with the carboxymethyl starch had a positive increasing effect on the tensile mechanical and barrier properties of the composite films. The optimal compositions of the composites obtained at 95.4% desirability were 3.33 g CMS, 2.39 g PVA and 0.22 g kaolin. Also, the predicted optimal values of the ultimate tensile strength, %EB and WVP of the composites were 5.71 MPa, 23.57% and 1.08 g/m^.s.Pa.

              Carboxymethyl starch; Biocomposite; Water vapour permeability; Response surface methodology; Tensile mechanical properties