A Biodegradable Rice Wrapper
Format
SOECS Senior Project Demonstration
Abstract/Artist Statement
Biodegradable products have generated a wave of interest and research in potential commercial applications. The goal of this project is to develop a biodegradable film that will provide a green alternative to petroleum-based products.After numerous trials, we have developed a novel biodegradable film formulated from rice starch, hydropropylmethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, and water. The starch provides the bulk of the substrate for the film. At high temperatures, solutions of starch form gels, which can be molded into a film. Hydropropylmethyl cellulose is a soluble fiber that we add to give the film strength. Polyvinyl alcohol is a plasticizer that we add to give the film flexibility.We are measuring the tensile strength of our film samples using the ASTM D882 standard. In addition, water permeability of the film will be measured through the water vapor transmission test. Finally, a biodegradation test will consist of burying the film in soil to determine the rate of degradation under controlled conditions.
Location
Pacific Geosciences Center
Start Date
30-4-2005 2:00 PM
End Date
30-4-2005 5:00 PM
A Biodegradable Rice Wrapper
Pacific Geosciences Center
Biodegradable products have generated a wave of interest and research in potential commercial applications. The goal of this project is to develop a biodegradable film that will provide a green alternative to petroleum-based products.After numerous trials, we have developed a novel biodegradable film formulated from rice starch, hydropropylmethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, and water. The starch provides the bulk of the substrate for the film. At high temperatures, solutions of starch form gels, which can be molded into a film. Hydropropylmethyl cellulose is a soluble fiber that we add to give the film strength. Polyvinyl alcohol is a plasticizer that we add to give the film flexibility.We are measuring the tensile strength of our film samples using the ASTM D882 standard. In addition, water permeability of the film will be measured through the water vapor transmission test. Finally, a biodegradation test will consist of burying the film in soil to determine the rate of degradation under controlled conditions.