Obtención de bioplástico a partir del maíz (Zea mays L) y quinua (Chenopodium quinoa) para envolturas alimenticias biodegradables

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to obtain bioplastics from corn starch (Zea mays L) and quinoa starch (Chenopodium quinoa) to be used as biodegradable food wrappers. The production of bioplastics began with the extraction of corn and quinoa starches by wet and dry means, obtaining percentages of yield of 14.81 and 12.02 respectively. The physical and chemical characterization of the starches was carried out on the basis of the NTE INEN 1456 standard, achieving quite favorable results. Regarding the obtaining of the biopolymers, the statistical analysis was carried out using the Statgraphics Centurion software corresponding to a 2k factorial design, in which 4 different formulations were proposed. In this way, a high limit and a low limit were determined for the concentrations of starch and water, and keeping the amount of glycerin and vinegar constant. With regard to the physicochemical and mechanical characterization of bioplastics, TM3 treatments for corn and TQ1 for quinoa stood out, achieving thicknesses of (0.20 and 0.15) mm, humidity (37.63 and 30.02) % and solubility of (19,38 and 18,02) % respectively. On the other hand, the mechanical tests were carried out in accordance with the NTE INEN 2635 standard, ensuring that the tensile tests meet with the quality requirements of thin plastic sheet. In the biodegradability test, it was found that degradation in aqueous medium is more efficient than in aerobic or anaerobic medium, because in just 20 days the biofilms degraded their physical structure by 50%, complying with the provisions of EN 13432. Finally, through pilot tests it was found that the bioplastics obtained fulfill the same functions as synthetic food wrappers.