Bioplastics from Agricultural Waste: Sustainable Alternatives to Petroleum-Based Plastics
Abstract
Plastic pollution crisis demands sustainable alternatives that maintain functionality while reducing environmental impact. This chemistry study investigates bioplastic production from agricultural waste including rice husks, corn stalks, and sugarcane bagasse. We developed extraction and polymerization protocols to create biodegradable plastics using chitosan, starch, and cellulose as base materials. Material testing reveals tensile strengths of 15-25 MPa, comparable to conventional plastics for packaging applications. Biodegradation studies show complete decomposition within 90-120 days in composting conditions. Economic analysis demonstrates production costs 12% lower than petroleum plastics when utilizing local agricultural waste streams. The research provides scalable solutions for sustainable packaging industries.
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