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Abstract

Petroleum based plastics are facing a major problem in disposal and degradation and these are promoting destruction to the environment. The new field of bio-based plastics i.e. Starch based bioplastic is providing an alternative way to eradicate this problem. In recent years, many starch based bioplastic have been evolved but, till now no study related to wheat chaff has been recorded. This study entails the utilisation of easily available waste material i.e. Wheat chaff, for the production of biodegradable eco-friendly starch based bioplastic. For the fabrication of bioplastic, the initial step involves the extraction of starch that is done by treating wheat chaff with 25% ammonium hydroxide and this step follows the production of bioplastic by heating the starch in measured quantities of water, glacial acetic acid and plasticizers (Glycerol and Sorbitol) at 900 C for 45 minutes. On the basis of comparative analysis Glacial (4): Sorbitol (1) ratio was found best as plasticizer. 0.17g of starch and 1.45g of bioplastic per 1g of wheat chaff were generated. From this study, wheat chaff being easily accessible source of waste, can be used as a possible starch source for the fabrication of bioplastic.

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