Development and Characterization of Cellulose Bioplastic Films using Wheat Straw as Raw Material

Abstract

Wheat straw is a versatile and abundant agricultural by-product that holds significant importance in various industries and environmental contexts. In this study, wheat straw collected from farmers was used for the development of biofilm. The best condition of film was obtained at 2.5% wheat straw concentration, concentration of 30 % sorbitol, and 1.5% gelatin. With a maximum tensile strength of 25.6% and an elongation break of 18.3%, thickness of 0.22 mm, solubility of 20%, and swelling index of 25%, the maximum strength of the film was 25.6 pa. Solubility values were 40% and 12%, respectively. Soil burial degradation studies were carried out to evaluate the biodegradability of the material under natural environmental conditions. The weight loss of the composite films during 15 days soil burial study was above 85%.