Microbiological Degradation of Starch Based Films: Preparation, Properties and Evaluation of Biodegradation

Abstract

Discarded polymer materials are one of the causes of environmental pollution, leading to develop biodegradable materials, such as polymer composites. One commercial biodegradable polymer, called EcobrasTM, is claimed to be a good alternative in this respect, particularly because it is made with raw materials from renewable sources. Green coconut rush fiber is a lignocellulosic material, with low cost because it is a large scale waste. This article reports the preparation of new composites of EcobrasTM and green coconut rush fiber and the study of their biodegradation in simulated soil, revealing the microorganisms presence on the surface of the composites. The test consists in burying the samples in the soil for different periods, following the ASTM G 160-03 standard. After each interval, the samples were removed from the soil and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). According to the results, EcobrasTM and its composites with green coconut rush fiber were considered biodegradable materials, and microorganisms presence on the material surface was observed. We expect these results will enable the development of biodegradable composites that will minimize the environmental impact generated by the inappropriate disposal of polymer materials.