COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BIO-PLASTICS FROM AMORPHOPHALLUS PAEONIIFOLIUS WITH AND WITHOUT EGG SHELL

The increasing global consumption of plastics and their slow decomposition rates have led to severe environmental challenges. Bio-plastics, derived from renewable biomass, offer a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics. This study focuses on the synthesis of bio-plastics from Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (elephant foot yam) starch, both with and without eggshell incorporation, and compares their physical, chemical, and degradation properties. Starch from A. paeoniifolius and calcium carbonate-rich eggshell powder were prepared and combined with glycerol and vinegar as plasticizers. Physical tests included thickness, soil degradation, solubility, swelling, and fire resistance, while chemical characterization was conducted using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results indicated that eggshell-reinforced bio-plastics exhibited improved mechanical strength and reduced water absorption compared to those without eggshells. However, eggshell addition slightly altered colour characteristics. Both formulations demonstrated biodegradability, confirming their potential as eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastics.