Characterization of Biodegradable Films Produced from Mixtures of Alginate, Starch and Babassu Fibers

Optimal formulations for polymeric alginate films with added starch from the babassu coconut mesocarp (BCM), fiber removed from the babassu coconut epicarp (BCEF) and glycerol (G), were determined as base materials to manufacture utensils such as biodegradable packaging and shopping bags, these materials were crosslinked with CaCl2. As from an initial physical evaluation, the selected films: formulations 11 (1.5BCM + 0.38BCEF + 0.60G to solutions of 250 mL) and 13 (0.75BCM + 0.38BCEF + 2.48G to solutions of 250 mL), were submitted to a second reticulation step with the fundamental role of improving the mechanical properties. The fibers added to the polymeric matrix had a positive effect in decreasing the solubility during the two reticulation steps. Complementary trials with the selected formulations confirmed that the material showed a low water absorption tendency, a compact microstructure and relatively homogenous fiber distribution. The films obtained after the second reticulation of formulation 13 gave the best results for tensile strength and the elasticity modulus (10.31 +/- 0.96 MPa and 476.13 +/- 30.02 MPa, respectively). The synergetic formulations stipulated showed potential for application in pilot tests, and hence produce a biopolymer with the necessary properties for industrial application.