Biodegradation Process of Flexible Films Based on Cassava Starch Performed at a Pilot‐Scale

ABSTRACT This study assessed the biodegradability of flexible film and its components. The tests were carried out under composting conditions. The kinetics of carbon dioxide production and the percentage of biodegradation were measured. Fourier Transform InfraRed spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were used to study changes of the films in the biodegradation test. The total organic carbon (TOC) was measured. After the biodegradation test, plant growth tests were carried out, which included measurement of chlorophyll Index (CI). The results showed that the flexible film, ecovio F2223, and thermoplastic starch (TPS) achieved biodegradation of 92.13%, 93.20%, and 96.88%, respectively, in contrast to the polylactic acid‐PLA (80.28%). The FTIR showed changes in molecular structures, mainly in band crystalline zones around 2800–3000 cm −1 , deformation bands between 1400 and 1500 cm −1 and in amorphous zones band of 1200–1000 cm −1 . TGA to flexible films, PLA, ecovio F2223, and TPS showed a thermal degradation around 350°C, 360°C, 370°C, and 320°C, due to polymeric structures degradation. SEM micrographs show morphology change on the films surfaces after the biodegradation test, evidencing the action of microorganisms. The plant growth tests showed the compost stability by Gemination percentage and CI no presented significative differences.