Evaluation of the physicochemical properties of bioplastics based on polysaccharides with different plasticizing agents

• Grant number: 22/01134-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2022
• End date: January 10, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Michel Brienzo
• Grantee: Giovanna Gennari Kasa
• Host Institution: Instituto de Pesquisa em Bioenergia (IPBEN). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Rio Claro. Rio Claro , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 17/22401-8 - Fruit-refinery: obtention processes, characterization methods and generation of products derived from residues of the fruitculture, AP.TEM

Abstract

The environment is in a critical situation due to the large consumption/disposal of plastics and consequent contamination of the environment, this is due to its non-biodegradable character. To minimize this contamination, due to their indiscriminate use, plastics with biodegradable potential become an environmentally correct solution. Therefore, this project aims to study different plasticizer compounds, compatibilizers, and polymerization initiators, in order to improve the physicochemical properties of bioplastics based on polysaccharides such as hemicellulose/xylan and chitosan. Different combinations will be made between these chemical compounds, aiming to obtain a bioplastic with mechanical and biodegradation properties. Bioplastics, therefore, will be evaluated for their physicochemical properties (thickness, opacity, water solubility, moisture, and weight). Thus, as a result, it is expected the production of a polysaccharide-based material that has mechanical and biodegradable properties when exposed to the environment. This project is inserted in the context of a Thematic Project (2017/22401-8) on waste recovery.(AU)