BIODEGRADABLE BAGS MADE WITH SODIUM ALGINATE, CORN STARCH AND VEGETABLE GLYCERIN

Abstract

The present invention describes a process for obtaining a biodegradable biopolymer material for the manufacture of bags, which overcomes the technical limitations of strength and sustainability present in the prior art. The method comprises the preparation of an aqueous phase by dissolving sodium alginate (1.5% to 2.5% w / v) and corn starch (1.5% to 2.5% w / v) in distilled water, using constant stirring at moderate temperatures of 20°C to 30°C. The system is made more flexible by the addition of vegetable glycerin in a proportion of 12% to 18% w / w with respect to the total solids, followed by a controlled thermal gelatinization step between 70°C and 85°C that optimizes the molecular interaction of the polysaccharides. Finally, the material is shaped into molds and subjected to a convection drying process at a temperature between 55 °C and 65 °C for a period of 3.5 to 5 hours.The result is a product with structural stability and mechanical shape memory, suitable for load-bearing applications without dependence on fossil polymers or synthetic crosslinking agents.