Desenvolvimento de embalagens biodegradáveis a partir do processamento das vagens de algaroba (Prosopis juliflora)

Abstract

Synthetic polymers are widely used in the production of packaging, however, packaging made from this material takes hundreds of years to decompose and generates environmental impacts. Biodegradable materials are an alternative to synthetic polymers as they are easily degraded. Among biodegradable materials, mesquite has received special attention as it is an abundant plant source rich in fiber. In this context, the present work aimed to develop rigid biodegradable packaging from mesquite pods (Prosopis juliflora), to act as potential substitutes for commercial packaging in the agro-industrial sector. To this end, mesquite pod flour (FV) and fiber (FB) were obtained and used as reinforcing material in the production of packaging for plant seedlings and packaging for eggs, respectively. The properties of the materials produced were evaluated through granulometric analysis, yield, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Ultraviolet-Visible Spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), Mechanical resistance, Contact Angle (AC ), water absorption capacity, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and biodegradability. With the processing of the pod, it was possible to obtain different yields for FV and FB, which presented similar particle size. The packaging of seedlings obtained semi-crystalline behavior, due to the presence of lignocellulosic compounds and the addition of NPK fertilizer did not influence the chemical interactions between the adhesive solution and FV. With the increase in the concentration of FV in the containers, the absorption properties of ultraviolet light were intensified, but resulted in packaging with lower tensile strength and greater water absorption. In the production of packaging for packaging eggs, it was found that the increase in glycerin content did not contribute to the formation of new crystalline phases and also did not modify the functional groups of the samples, but contributed to obtaining greater mechanical resistance, demonstrating that it was efficient interaction of packaging constituents. In the biodegradability test, the packaging produced significantly degraded, changing its structure and initial shape, unlike commercial packaging. The results obtained validate the potential of mesquite flour for the production of biocomposites, allowing us to suggest a new renewable raw material option to the market.