Development of Biodegradable Thermoplastic Potato Starch Formulations for Sustainable HVAC Air Filter Frames
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11113/jamst.v30n2.349Keywords:
Thermoplastic starch (TPS); Potato starch; Glycerol plasticization; Biodegradable filter frames; HVAC sustainability; Soil burial degradationAbstract
The HVAC sector relies heavily on petroleum-based engineering plastics, particularly for rigid HEPA filter frames. Because these frames are permanently bonded to filter media, spent assemblies generate a massive landfill waste stream. This study investigates a sustainable alternative utilizing potato starch (Solanum tuberosum) plasticized with glycerol via hydrothermal gelatinization. The formulation systematically varied the plasticizer-to-starch weight ratio (0% to 100%) to optimize mechanical and environmental performance. Mechanical testing revealed an inverse relationship between plasticizer loading and ultimate tensile stress. The optimized formulation (25% wt. glycerol) achieved a maximum tensile strength of 2.940 MPa, balancing structural integrity with flexibility, while higher loadings drastically reduced capacity due to molecular lubrication. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed successful matrix plasticization and preservation of the primary polysaccharide backbone. Six-week terrestrial soil burial assays demonstrated continuous microbial and hydrolytic degradation across all thermoplastic starch formulations. The optimized matrix exhibited the fastest biodegradation kinetics, reaching a cumulative gravimetric mass loss of 79.09% by week six due to enhanced hydrophilicity and microbial accessibility. These findings demonstrate that plasticizer optimization can precisely tailor biopolymer properties, positioning potato starch-based frameworks as viable, eco-friendly candidates for disposable HVAC components and sustainable packaging.
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