Title: Biodegradable plastics with natural additives as a replacement for synthetic plastics

Authors: Amal Elhussieny; Marwa Faisal; Giacomo D'Angelo; Nesma T. Aboulkhair; Nicola M. Everitt; Irene S. Fahim

Addresses: Centre of Nano-science and Technology (CNT), Nile University, Nile Avenue, Giza, Egypt ' Centre of Nano-science and Technology (CNT), Nile University, Nile Avenue, Giza, Egypt ' Bioengineering Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7-2RD, UK ' Bioengineering Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7-2RD, UK ' Bioengineering Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7-2RD, UK ' Centre of Nano-science and Technology (CNT), Nile University, Nile Avenue, Giza, Egypt; Department of Industrial Engineering and Service Management, School of Engineering, Nile University, Nile Avenue, Giza, Egypt

Abstract: A massive outburst in the manufacturing of synthetic plastic has occurred due to its availability, durability and low-cost relative to glass, paper and fabric. In order to combat the plastic pollution phenomenon, it is impossible to eliminate the use of disposable plastic products; however, it could be replaced with an eco-friendly substitute. This study presents a comparison between different composite films with natural reinforcements. The matrices and reinforcements were produced from chitosan extracted from shrimp shells waste and rice straw waste, respectively. Experimental and statistical analysis were performed to define the most desirable filler type and concentration with respect to physical, biological, mechanical and thermal properties. Experimental results showed that the mechanical, thermal, and biological properties of the chitosan (and nano chitosan) films were improved by the addition of 25 wt. % and 35 wt. % of rice straws and nano rice straw fibres.

Keywords: synthetic polymer; nano science; reinforcements; combinations; food waste; valorisation; natural polymer.

DOI: 10.1504/IJISE.2021.120622

International Journal of Industrial and Systems Engineering, 2021 Vol.39 No.4, pp.520 - 535

Received: 28 Feb 2019
Accepted: 21 Dec 2019
Published online: 31 Jan 2022 *

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