| Abstract Scope |
This research is about a biomaterial derived from brewing industry waste, based on starch and barley hulls (Hordeum vulgare), aiming to reduce the use of traditional plastics, and its adverse effect on the environment. Starch has two polysaccharide chains: amylopectin, composed of semi-crystalline branched structures, and amylose, formed by linear amorphous chains. During the gelatinization process, the presence of water and heat alters the crystalline regions of the starch granules, transforming the amylopectin into an amorphous phase, producing swollen granules and generating a gel-like structure. Simultaneously, the amylose is released, increasing its accessibility. These waste materials are plasticized by incorporating glycerol to improve its flexibility and processing properties to produce a biomaterial, which is reinforced with nano-lignin derived from barley hulls. Scanning electron microscopy, tensile tests, and other tests are presented. Current research efforts are focused on developing sustainable packaging alternatives that reduce the CO2 footprint. |