Obtención de una biopelícula a partir de almidón de la cáscara de cacao ¨ (Teobroma cacao. L.) en la producción de plástico biodegradable

Abstract

The investigation objective dealt with the manufacturing of a biodegradable film from the starch of the cocoa shell residue (Theobroma cacao. L). It started with the starch obtainment which was carried out by two methods: the humid method which was conducted with the factorial design which permitted to obtain variables such as: the blending speed in (RPM) and the time in (s), of which, four treatments with four replications each were carried out, obtaining a percentage of 17.08 starch; Simultaneously, the dry method was carried out, which is similar, except that it includes extrusion of the raw material until it becomes starch granules. Subsequently, tests at the laboratory level were carried out, such as, for example, proximal, microbiological, physicochemical and an external test which was carried out at the National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA). This trial determined the amount of amylose and moisture in the starch. Later the elaboration of an idoneous trial for the biodegradable film was performed and independent variables were applied: glycerin volume (from 2,5 to 4ml) and water (from 60 to 70 ml). Finally, the characterization of the biofilm was conducted: biodegradability, thickness, moisture, water vapor permeability, water solubility and tensile test. The result of this trials permitted to affirm that treatment one is the most reliable. Likewise, the bibliographic revision of articles employing similar techniques, trials and analyses which helped to the viability of the elaboration of the optimum biodegradable film was performed.