Bio-Plastic Production From Seaweed

Present investigation was undertaken on synthesis of biodegradable plastic from a red seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii. It was produced by controlled heating, casting and drying. Characterization of the product was evaluated on the basis of tensile strength, thermal stability, biodegradability as well as water and acid solubility. Sea-weed based bioplastic displayed superior tensile strength (2.1245 MPa). It possessed good biodegradation rate in moist and dry soil. Bio-degradation of the bio-plastic on soil surface was found to be 28.28 -28.85 % on dry and moist soil respectively.. The bio-plastic had high melting point (198°C) with good thermal stability. It was completely soluble in acid, within 10 min. while its solubility in water was 71.08% after 48 hours. FTIR analysis confirmed successful bioplastic formation and good polymer-plasticizer interaction. Thus, bioplastic produced by using Kappaphycus alvarezii and glycerol could be an excellent alternative for conventional plastic.