Session: 03-07-01: Emerging Materials Technology

Paper Number: 152308

152308 - Formulation and Properties of Agar-Based Biopolymer Blends for Packaging Applications 

In response to the plastic waste concerns in affecting the environment, health, and economies, this research explores the development of biodegradable bioplastics blends using agar as a primary polymer. The research investigates the use of various combinations of natural biomass materials including agar, chitosan, corn starch, coconut oil, vinegar, tea tree oil and distilled water, to create packaging biodegradable bioplastic materials. This research aims to explore the interactions of these ingredients and focusing on enhancing the film formation through iterative experimentation.

The study begins with a literature review to understand the current agar-based bioplastic research, and to find potential areas of development. This review helps the selection of the potential ingredients and provides a guide to initiate the experimental design, then conduct a series of experiments varying the ratios and the combinations of ingredients to observe their effects on the resulting bioplastic films.

The experimental process involves several stages, including gathering the ingredients, mixing, heating, molding the resulting mixture and drying. All the challenges encountered, and the solutions developed to address them are recorded, which allows gaining insights into the interaction between the components and their impact on the visual appearance, physical properties, and handling characteristics of the final bioplastic product. By discussing this experimental approach and the knowledge gained during this exploration, this study provides a base for further future research in the field of agar-based biodegradable packaging materials.

Presenting Author: Alaa Alnatsheh Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Presenting Author Biography: Alaa Al-Natsheh is a PhD candidate in Mechanical Engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, focusing on the development and characterization of agar-based biodegradable packaging materials. With a background in environmental and renewable energy engineering, Alaa has professional experience in sustainable design practices and HVAC systems. His research interests include optimization of renewable energy systems and environmental impact assessment of transportation electrification. Alaa currently serves as a Lab Instructor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.