“OBTAINING BIOPLASTIC FROM ORGANIC WASTE OF BANANA PEEL AND POTATO PEEL TO MITIGATE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT”

Abstract

This study proposes the production of bioplastics using agro-industrial waste from banana and potato peels as a source of starch. The objective is to mitigate the environmental impact of conventional plastics through a sustainable, biodegradable alternative that is compatible with the circular economy. The methodology is: Starch extraction: The peels were subjected to physical processes such as grinding, filtration and drying. Chemical modification: Acetylation was used to improve the properties of starch. Bioplastic synthesis: Starch was mixed with glycerin as a plasticizer, creating a resistant and flexible material. Characterization tests: Mechanical, thermal and biodegradability properties were analyzed. It is an experimental study since experiments were carried out to evaluate the extraction, chemical modification and synthesis processes of the bioplastic, as well as the properties of the final material. It is descriptive since it analyzes the characteristics of the bioplastics obtained, such as mechanical resistance and biodegradability. It has a mixed approach since it includes component dosage, analysis of mechanical properties and degradation tests, while evaluating the acceptability and characteristics of the final product through observation and interpretive analysis. The design integrates analysis, synthesis and statistical methods seeking to correlate variables and validate the results obtained.

The results obtained were bioplastics that demonstrated good mechanical resistance and biodegradability under controlled conditions, disintegrating in weeks or months, which contrasts with the hundreds of years that synthetic plastics take. These materials are suitable for applications in disposable utensils, pharmaceutical packaging and biodegradable capsule covers. The conclusions are that potato and banana peels are promising sources of starch, abundant and inexpensive. Starch modification allows for improved mechanical properties of bioplastics, although challenges such as susceptibility to moisture remain. This study is aligned with the principles of the circular economy, reducing waste and taking advantage of renewable resources. This work highlights the potential of bioplastics as an ecological solution to global environmental problems, contributing to the development of sustainable and functional materials for our society.