Valorization of Acha Starch-Based Bioplastics Reinforced with Plantain Peel Powder

Abstract

This study investigates the valorization of Acha starch-based bioplastics reinforced with plantain peel powder. Bioplastic films were prepared via solution casting using glycerol as a plasticizer, with plantain peel incorporated at 10 wt% (SF2) and 20 wt% (SF3), alongside a plasticized starch control (SF1) and a pure starch film (SF4).Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis revealed that all samples displayed broad absorption bands in the region of 3200-3400 cm⁻¹, corresponding to O-H stretching vibrations, characteristic of hydroxyl groups present in starch, peaks observed at 2924 cm⁻¹ point to possible interactions between starch chains and lignocellulosic constituents of the plantain peel. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed increased surface roughness and partial dispersion of filler particles, with slight agglomeration observed at higher filler loading. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns exhibited characteristic diffraction peaks at 2θ between 20°-24° with crystallinity indices ranging from 39-55%, indicating that plantain peel altered starch chain organization. TGA showed initial moisture loss below 120°C and major degradation occurring above approximately 250°C, indicating typical starch-based thermal behaviour with filler-dependent variations. The novelty of this work lies in the first reported use of an acha starch-plantain peel composite, highlighting the valorisation of plantain peel waste as a sustainable reinforcement and its structure-property relationships.