Strong and Biodegradable Films from Avocado Peel Fiber

Authors

Shafaet Ahmed, South Dakota State University
Srinivas Janaswamy, South Dakota State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-2023

Abstract

Plastics are desirable as packaging materials due to their strong, flexible, and low-cost properties. However, their lack of biodegradability is environmentally detrimental. To this end, plant-based natural fiber is a viable option for creating plastic replacing and biodegradable materials. This study aimed to extract lignocellulosic fiber from avocado peel and make films. Acid hydrolysis and alkali treatment were used to obtain the fiber from avocado peel and ZnCl₂ to solubilize it
and make films by crosslinking the polymer chains through Ca²⁺ ions. The results reveal that increasing the Ca²⁺ ions amount significantly reduces moisture content, moisture absorption, water vapor permeability, water solubility, transparency, and elongation at the break of films but improves tensile strength. The films biodegrade within 30 days at the soil moisture content of 22% with a half-life of 3.19–4.63 days. Overall, extract from avocado peel fiber could aid in designing and developing plastic replacement and biodegradable packaging films.

Publication Title

Industrial Crops and Products

Volume

201

DOI of Published Version

10.1016/j.indcrop.2023.116926

Recommended Citation

Ahmed, Shafaet and Janaswamy, Srinivas, "Strong and Biodegradable Films from Avocado Peel Fiber" (2023). Dairy Science and Food Science Faculty Publications: 2022 to Present. 55.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/dairy_pubs/55