Effect of glycerol on the water barrier properties and biodegradability of lotus root starch bioplastic films

Abstract

Numerous starch-based bioplastic films have been developed by researchers due to the negative effects of synthetic plastics on the environment. Thus, lotus root starch is a great alternative natural polymer due to its biodegradability and ease at processing. In this work, bioplastic films were prepared with 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mL of glycerol aiming to observe the effect of glycerol to water solubility, water absorption, water permeability, and biodegradability property of lotus root starch bioplastic films. The result revealed the water solubility increased, the water vapour permeability and biodegradability decreased with the increase in glycerol content. While water absorption was inconsistent in results. The results showed the suitability of lotus root starch-based bioplastic films for food packaging materials.