Obtención de plástico biodegradable a partir de los cladodios de nopal (Opuntia tomentosa) como alternativa al uso de bolsas plásticas convencionales

Abstract

The main objective of this research is to obtain biodegradable plastic from Nopal cladodes (Opuntia tomentosa) as an alternative to the use of conventional plastic bags, for which the mucilage contained in the cladodes was extracted, by: selection, stripping, washing and disinfection, chopping, squeezing and maceration. Through a characterization of the mucilage, a pH of 6.36%, humidity 9.05%, ash 26.72%, gelatinization point 82 degrees Celsius and protein 0.428%; among the most important parameters were determined. An analysis of variables was carried out highlighting the T6 with the highest performance (48.18%) under squeezing conditions at 2 rpm for 90 sec. The best formulation for obtaining biodegradable plastic was the TP4 treatment with 8g mucilage, 3g protein, 1g plasticizer and 0.5g natural wax, by shaking and mixing at controlled temperature; the above mentioned treatment presented a low permeability of 0.000052mmg / m2h, 14.85% solubility and 26.73% humidity; it maintained a slow degradation rate. Mechanical properties presented a tensile strength of 226.22 MPa and an elongation of 238.35%. It is concluded that the biodegradable plastic obtained can be replaced as plastic bags of sanitary use since its values are within the limits established by the NTE INEN 2290. The study using different plasticizers is recommended to improve the mechanical properties and extend the applicability of biodegradable plastic.