PRODUCTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BAGS FROM BIOCOMPOSITE FILMS OF STARCH-VEGETAL FIBERS PREPARED BY TAPE CASTING

In this study, the production of starch films reinforced with cellulose fibers was performed by the tape-casting technique, which allows preparing films with much larger dimensions, if compared with the classical casting technique. Tape casting is well known in other areas; however, there is a lack in the literature about its use for manufacturing biodegradable films. Using this technique, it was possible to develop bags with 100% biodegradable materials. Puncture and tear propagation resistance, and tensile strength of films prepared with different thicknesses were determined. The films heat sealability, wettability and printability were also studied. Overall, the mechanical properties showed that the thicker films had higher tensile strength. The most suitable heat-sealing temperature was 150 degrees C. The results indicate that the obtained biodegradable bags have potential to be used for packaging products with dry surfaces (some fruits, clothes), contributing to reduce the impact of oil-based plastic in the environment. Practical ApplicationsThe starch film, classically prepared by the casting technique, presents small dimensions, which does not allow large-scale production. With tape-casting technique, it can be produced films with much larger dimensions, which can be used to form 100% biodegradables packages. These packages can be used to pack products with dry surfaces like some fruits, clothes and others. The present work studies the starch-cellulose fibers films properties with the purpose of forming biodegradable packages. Some parameters like sealability, wettability, printability, puncture resistance, tensile resistance and tear resistance were determined in order to produce a bag with good characteristics.