Valorization of Corn Cob Waste into Cellulose-Based Bioplastics: Extraction, Fabrication, and Biodegradability Evaluation

Abstract

The Increasing production, consumption, and improper disposal of petroleum-based plastics are causing environmental degradation. A sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to resolve the plastic-based problem is bioplastic. Agricultural waste, rich in cellulose, can be used as a raw material for bioplastic production. The purpose of the current study is the isolation of cellulose from corn cob using alkali and bleaching treatment and its utilization in the synthesis of bioplastic. The Study also incorporates the sensory evaluation, thickness test, and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy  characterization. Further, the prepared bioplastic was tested for its biodegradability. The yield of extracted cellulose was 53.1±0.7%. Bioplastic was successfully prepared using the solvent casting method, and the same was confirmed by FTIR analysis. The degradation period was observed to be 21 days to 35 days. The prepared bioplastic may prove beneficial in packaging application, leading to reduced reliance on fossil fuels and environmental pollution.