Modified Starch-Polyvinyl Alcohol Biodegradable Film For Food Packaging

A biodegradable film is synthesized using corn starch, polyvinyl alcohol and filler. It’s being proposed as an alternative to the synthetic non-degradable film for food packaging. Generally, the film synthesized from starch have poor mechanical properties and water sensitivity. The research incorporates use of fillers namely carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and chitosan to enhance mechanical properties and water sensitivity of the biodegradable film. The film was prepared by solvent casting method, with varying proportions of CMC and chitosan added to the starch-Polyvinyl alcohol (PVAl) solution. The biodegradable film prepared has been tested and analyzed for specific properties of the film, such as mechanical properties, elongation, barrier properties, biodegradability and water solubility. The highest improvement in tensile strength was observed for the same concentration of CMC and chitosan composite film. The significant improvement in strength was observed for tensile strength to the tune of 8.78-fold, elongation 28.19-fold, water solubility retarded by 16% and migration found to be inhibited in 3% acetic acid, 15% ethanol and water simulants. The film degraded in soil within 7 days. The synthesis of biodegradable film using starch-PVAl and fillers presents a promising solution for sustainable food packaging, addressing both environmental concerns and practical application