Application of Biodegradable Film from Yam (Dioscorea alata) Starch in Thailand for Agriculture Activity

Abstract

Starch sample obtained from water yam (mun lued) by wet milling process. Yam starch films were prepared by thermal gelatinization technique casting using glycerol as plasticizer. The effect of different glycerol (1.65 and 2.00 g/100 g of filmogenic solution) starch concentration (3.30 g/100 g of filmogenic solution) was evaluated for some characteristic of these films. The effect of different surfactant Span80 (1 ml/100 g of filmogenic solution) and Tween 20 (1.5 ml/100 g of filmogenic solution) was studied. Suitable characteristic of biodegradable film from yam starch are glycerol 1.65 and span 80 (1 ml/100 g) as filmogenic formulation. The temperature for obtaining gelatinized starch solution was 70-80 °C and then dried at 45 °C for 4 hours. Film sample was molding in plastic bag form by simple sealing machine in average size 6x9 square inch. The samples expected to be applied as agriculture bag for agriculture activity. As a result, the appearance of film sample was smooth, transparence and glossy, with average moisture content of 25.96% and thickness of 0.01 mm. Puncture deformation and flexible increased with glycerol content. The starch and glycerol concentration were significant factors for yam starch film characteristic. Surfactant Span80 increased smoother and reduce sticky properties of film than Tween 20. Yam starch film as biofilms could be applied and developed in qualities, and with the advantage of biodegradability.