17th International Fiber and Polymer Research Symposium

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Development of Food Packaging Material Containing Polyethylene and Thermoplastic Starch

Authors :

Fatma Tuba Kıraç Demirel¹ Adnan Fatih Dağdelen² Ayberk Tükel³ Beyza Albayrak⁴ Buket Çetin⁵

1- Bursa Technical University 2- 3- 4- 5-

Keywords :

Thermoplastic starch،Low density polyethylene،Biopolymer،Food packaging

Abstract :

In order to prevent environmental pollution, there is a need to develop packaging that is less harmful by using biopolymer masterials instead of plastics. More than 40% of the packaging produced worldwide is used only in the food market. Plastics account for the largest share in these packages (more than 40%). Although plastics have some advantages over natural materials, they are one of the primary sources of environmental pollution, high carbon footprints and low biodegradability. Due to these disadvantages, the demand for biodegradable materials has increased. Among biodegradable polymers, starch is the most widely used natural polymer with a share of over 15%. Despite the advantages of starch such as good film formation, low cost and easy processing, its use in industrial applications is limited due to its hydrophilicity, high retrogradation and low thermal resistance. However, its physical and chemical properties can be improved by making some modifications like crosslinking and mixing with other polymers. The present study aims to develop an environmentally friendly food packaging material using low density polyethylene (LDPE) and thermoplastic starch (TPS). Films were produced from LDPE/TPS blend prepared in different formulations (LDPE, LDPE - 10% TPS, LDPE - 30% TPS, LDPE - 50% TPS) using a single screw extruder. It was observed that the tensile strength (MPa), thermal adhesion strength (N/mm) and puncture distance (mm) of the films decreased as the amount of TPS increased, while the elongation at break (%), transparency (600 nm) and swelling strength (%) increased.