Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

FABRICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BIOPLASTIC FILMS USING IPOMOEA BATATAS

C. Usha and M. Meera

Abstract

The development of eco-friendly bioplastics is a fascinating and need of the hour. This study aimed to develop bioplastic films using starch extracted from Ipomoea batatas. The bioplastic films were fabricated by casting method. The produced bioplastic films were characterized morphologically and chemically by scanning electron microscope and Fourier transform infrared spectroscope. Further, the bioplastic films were assessed for its biodegradability by soil burial method. This study revealed that the developed bioplastic films had notable biodegradability when compared to synthetic polypropylene plastic. In future, the fabricated bioplastics will be evaluated for its mechanical stability, tensile strength and its possible application in commercial purposes.