: ?Proteína de soja entrecruzada para preparación de films biodegradables: síntesis, caracterización y biodegradación?

A. GONZÁLEZ; M. STRUMIA; C. I. ALVAREZ IGARZABAL

Simposio; IX simposio Argentino de Polímeros; 2011

This study showed the preparation of new biodegradable materials through the casting methodology from cross-linking of SPI with different amounts of a non-toxic cross-linker (Gen). The efficiency of the cross-linking reaction was evidenced by FTIR and by the determination of the cross-linking degree. Several tests were performed to show the potential of Gen to improve the SPI film properties, mainly the substantial decrease in solubility, the swelling in water and the WVP. In addition, mechanical properties were improved with small amounts of Gen, increasing TS and E values although larger amounts of Gen produced a decrease in E values but with no significant changes in TS. Biodegradation studies revealed that the biodegradation time of the films can be controlled or modified from at least 14 to 33 days. These effects may increase the applicability of such films in biodegradable packaging or other industrial applications. The use of natural biodegradable materials with improved properties such as cross-linked soy protein provides a valuable opportunity to replace conventional petroleum-derived plastics, adding more value to this vast agricultural resource.