PRODUCTION OF CASSAVA STARCH-BASED BIODEGRADABLE PLASTICS FOR ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIAL APPLICATIONS

The increasing environmental concerns associated with persistent petroleum-based plastics have accelerated the search for sustainable alternatives. This study focuses on the production and characterization of cassava starch-based biodegradable plastics for eco-friendly material applications. Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz), abundantly cultivated in Nigeria, serves as an inexpensive and renewable source of starch. The extracted starch was processed with varying concentrations of glycerol (1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5% and 3.0%) as a plasticizer to produce biodegradable films. Mechanical properties, including tensile strength and percentage elongation, were evaluated to determine material performance, while biodegradability was assessed through soil burial tests to monitor mass reduction and microbial activity over time. Results revealed that glycerol concentration significantly influenced flexibility, tensile strength, and degradation rate. Higher glycerol levels improved film flexibility but reduced tensile strength, whereas lower concentrations produced stiffer films with slower degradation rates. The biodegradation tests confirmed substantial microbial breakdown, demonstrating that cassava starch-based plastics can decompose under natural soil conditions. These findings highlight cassava starch as a viable feedstock for producing biodegradable plastics with potential applications in packaging, agriculture, and disposable products. The study also emphasizes the environmental benefits of reducing plastic waste and reliance on fossil-derived materials, supporting global sustainability goals. However, limitations such as water sensitivity and relatively low mechanical strength suggest that future work should focus on blending with other biopolymers or applying surface modifications to enhance performance for broader industrial adoption.