Physicochemical and mechanical characteristics of potato starch-based biodegradable films

Background and Objective: Plastics come from non-renewable sources and generate a high amount of non-biodegradable waste. The global demand for the reduction of plastic waste encourages the development of biodegradable films based on polymers and organic compounds. In this study, physicochemical (color, thickness) and mechanical characteristics (tension fracture and elongation percentage) of potato starch-based biodegradable films were determined. Materials and Methods: The films were elaborated with starch extracted from Canchán, Yungay and Peruana potato varieties. Results were statistically analyzed using one way variance of analysis followed by Tukey's test. Results: All the films had a transparent appearance and the color parameters were similar between the films made of Canchán and Yungay variety starch, differing slightly from those made with Peruana variety starch. All elaborated films showed thickness > 1 mm. Conclusion: The best mechanical characteristics were observed in films from the Canchán variety starch, with a tension fracture of 1.43±0.12 MPa and elongation percentage of 36.67±2.80%. These results, in addition to contributing academically, show the potential for the industrial production of biodegradable films from potato starch.