Optimal the mechanical properties of bioplastic blend based algae-(lactic acid-starch) using gamma irradiation and their possibility to use as compostable and soil conditioner

A growing interest in renewable bioplastics has led to many alternatives to conventional plastics. Starch is an important raw material for developing bioplastics after turning it into thermoplastic starch (TPS). The current study discusses blending TPS with the most common plastics, such as Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), and rubber, like Ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer (EPDM) rubber. The study attempts to make algae-based bioplastic samples. The biodegradability of EVA/EPDM/TPS blends is assessed under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. This assessment uses weight-loss measurements, and the changes in the morphological structure of the bioplastic are checked through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)analysis. The effect of gamma irradiation on the maximum swelling ratio, gel fraction percentage, and mechanical properties is also assessed. The EVA/EPDM/ TPS bioplastic samples have high starch content, high absorption water capacity, and high swelling ratio. This can result in the absence of strong phase adhesion and the lack of mechanical properties. The Gamma irradiation technique is introduced to enhance the physiochemical properties like mechanical and water barrier properties ofEVA/EPDM/TPS bioplastic samples. The mechanical properties for almost irradiated EVA/EPDM/TPS bioplastic were 180-130% higher than that detected in un-irradiated bioplastic samples, which is upended for an irradiated sample has TPS content > 70 wt%. This indicated that, even if irradiations were carried out, the degradation reaction becomes more domain for the sample that has TPS > 70 wt% and the crosslinking reaction is dominant in both high contents of EVA and EPDM molecules. For environmental issues, use the obtained bioplastic samples will as soil amended and compostable materials to provide an overview of their environmental benefits.