Bioplastic composed of starch and micro-cellulose from waste mango: mechanical properties and biodegradation

Waste mango was used to obtain starch and micro-cellulose for the production of bioplastic. Three different formulations were made: positive control or cotyledon starch/glycerol; SC₁ or cotyledon starch/glycerol and cellulose at 0.1% and SC₅ or cotyledon starch/glycerol and cellulose at 0.5% w/w. The bioplastics were mechanically analyzed (tensile strength, elongation and Young's modulus) and, aerobic biodegradation analysis was realized with a standard test method based on the amount of material carbon converted to CO₂. The mechanical tests indicated that with the addition of cellulose, the bioplastics improved their mechanical properties. The biodegradation at 30 days showed 93 and 94% for SC₁ and SC₅. Therefore, the biodegradation of bioplastics depends on both, the addition of cellulose and the environment where they are placed (e.g., soil characteristics: pH level, C:N ratio, moisture). These bioplastics offer new opportunities for fast degrading biomaterials in agricultural applications (padding and protection bags).