Organic starch, lignin, and chitosan composite films for eco-friendly packaging
Introducing a biodegradable film alternative to PET, composed of starch, lignin, and chitosan. This innovative material offers enhanced mechanical properties and biodegradability, making it ideal for sustainable packaging solutions.
Overview
This innovative research focuses on developing a biodegradable film composed of organic starch, lignin, and chitosan, serving as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional PET films. The composite material aims to balance mechanical strength and flexibility, providing a sustainable solution for packaging applications. By integrating lignin and chitosan, the films are designed to offer improved biodegradability and reduced environmental impact, particularly after breakage, due to enhanced microbial access to starch components.
Technical specifications
The proposed composite film utilizes a multi-layer approach, deploying chitosan-starch-lignin-starch-chitosan layers to optimize mechanical strength and flexibility. Key properties being investigated include Young's modulus, maximum stress, strain at maximum strength, water transmission permeability, solubility, and temperature resistance. The material's performance will be validated through uniaxial strength tests and biodegradability analyses. Additionally, surface energy and atomic force microscopy studies will assess deformation defects, ensuring the films' robustness and durability.
Technology readiness level
The development of this biodegradable film is currently at Technology Readiness Level 4, indicating that it has been validated at the laboratory scale. Future efforts will focus on refining film protocols and scalability, enabling broader commercial applications for eco-friendly packaging.
About Universidad Técnica de Ambato
Universidad Técnica de Ambato is a public research university in central Ecuador serving more than 6,000 students and combining broad academic provision with a strong regional mission. Its laboratories, research infrastructure, and research directorate support applied work connected to regional needs. The innovation and entrepreneurship directorate supports intellectual property, prototyping, technology transfer, and startup formation, while agreements with the Ambato Industrial Park and Tungurahua industry organizations connect it with productive-sector partners. Research is supported through institutional resources, competitive Ecuadorian public funding, and external collaboration. Commercialization processes help move research outputs toward practical adoption.
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