Production of Polylactic acid in laboratory scale, and characterising the thermal properties.

Abstract

This thesis presents findings from experimental research on producing biodegradable plastic from corn starch. A corn consists of many parts, among which starch is used essentially in food and bioplastic products. A starch is extracted from corn, then it is mixed plasticizers and some plastic additives for further synthesis. The synthesis and drying of starch based polymer was performed in Arcada Lab. The thermal analysis of the material were performed in the laboratories of Helsinki University, Department of chemistry. Corn starch based plastic were compared through various material and thermal tests to PLA standard and its material properties as references. Lab experiment closely observes thermal properties and does not include any mechanical test and analysis.

The thesis also covers introduction on corn, corn starch as a raw material to produce bioplastic, its application and importance in food packaging. It is suggested that corn starch as a source for renewable and eco-friendly raw material. Application of starch based plastic could address environmental issue that are caused by oil based plastic.