Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Graduate
Project Type
individual
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Alaa Alnatsheh, Graduate student
Lead Presenter's Name
Alaa Alnatsheh
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Engineering
Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Birce Dikici
Abstract
Global plastic production reached 359 million metric tons in 2018, with packaging accounting for about 31% of total use and expected to continue increasing toward 2060. Recycling remains limited, with approximately 66% of recyclable packaging in the United States not being recycled. These challenges have increased interest in biodegradable materials derived from renewable sources. Agar, a polysaccharide extracted from red seaweed, has strong film-forming ability but shows limitations such as low mechanical strength and high water sensitivity. This study investigates agar-based bioplastic films using three formulation approaches: agar-starch (binary), agar-starch-chitosan (ternary), and agar with nanocellulose (nano-enhanced). Films were prepared using a solution casting method and evaluated through mechanical testing, water immersion, and soil degradation. Results showed that agar-starch films provided moderate strength and high flexibility, while the addition of chitosan improved tensile strength. Nano-enhanced systems showed the highest mechanical performance, with increases in stiffness and strength compared to other formulations. These results show that material composition strongly affects performance. This work establishes a foundation for advancing agar-based biodegradable materials for packaging applications.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Included in
Agar-Natural Polymer Composites for Packaging Applications
Global plastic production reached 359 million metric tons in 2018, with packaging accounting for about 31% of total use and expected to continue increasing toward 2060. Recycling remains limited, with approximately 66% of recyclable packaging in the United States not being recycled. These challenges have increased interest in biodegradable materials derived from renewable sources. Agar, a polysaccharide extracted from red seaweed, has strong film-forming ability but shows limitations such as low mechanical strength and high water sensitivity. This study investigates agar-based bioplastic films using three formulation approaches: agar-starch (binary), agar-starch-chitosan (ternary), and agar with nanocellulose (nano-enhanced). Films were prepared using a solution casting method and evaluated through mechanical testing, water immersion, and soil degradation. Results showed that agar-starch films provided moderate strength and high flexibility, while the addition of chitosan improved tensile strength. Nano-enhanced systems showed the highest mechanical performance, with increases in stiffness and strength compared to other formulations. These results show that material composition strongly affects performance. This work establishes a foundation for advancing agar-based biodegradable materials for packaging applications.