Desenvolvimento e caracterização de filmes biodegradáveis de araruta com própolis vermelha de Alagoas

Abstract

The environmental problems caused by the disposal of non-biodegradable materials led to the research and development of biodegradable materials with characteristics that allow their use in the production of packaging on a commercial scale. Among natural polymers, starch has been considered one of the most promising candidates in this regard due to its attractive combination of price, abundance and thermoplastic behavior, in addition to its biodegradability. In this work, biodegradable films of arrowroot starch (Maranta arundinacea) with and without red própolis were developed, in the form of ethanol extract and microencapsulated formulations with chitosan in proportions of 50% and 75%. The films were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TG), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Infrared Absorption Spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR), thickness and analysis of stress versus deformation. The films showed similar thermal behavior to other starch films from different sources, the XRD showed an amorphous structure after starch gelatinization, the MEV revealed roughness and cracks common to starch films, as well as the FTIR showed functional groups characteristic of its composition. Film thickness was consistente with starch and glycerol films. However, its mechanical properties can be improved through the incorporation of reinforcements in its structure such as the use of fibers and/or natural additives, or through a reduction in the plasticizer content and study of the amylose content of the formulation.