Characterization of biodegradable polymers nanocomposites made from tuber starches such as cassava and otoe, reinforced with yerba mate nanoparticles

Montenegro V.; Arrieta M.P.; Marín-Calvo N. · Proceedings of the LACCEI international Multi-conference for Engineering, Education and Technology (2025) · DOI: 10.18687/laccei2025.1.1.1742

Resumen

The development of materials based on natural materials has gained relevance in recent decades, due to the impact they can generate as an alternative to the sustainable reduction of environmental pollution. Currently, biodegradable polymers based on natural starches are used in the manufacture of single-use products. This research focuses on the continuity of the study entitled “Manufacture of starch-based polymers from selected Panamanian tubers”, with the objective of characterizing biodegradable polymers based on starch obtained from Panamanian tubers, The objective was to characterize biodegradable polymers based on starch obtained from Panamanian tubers, such as cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) and otoe (Xanthosoma spp), reinforced with yerba mate nanoparticles, through tests including water vapor permeability, thermogravimetric analysis, stress test and biodegradation test. To achieve this objective, bioplastic sheets were fabricated using the solvent-casting technique. The starch polymeric matrix was plasticized with 25% (AL1) and 35% (AL2) w/w glycerol and the plasticized composition with 25% glycerol was reinforced with 1% (AL3) w/w of yerba mate nanoparticles. The results obtained when evaluated and analyzed demonstrate the functionality of the compositions studied, since they exhibit remarkable resistance and are biodegradable, which offers a viable solution for the manufacture of products from natural sources.