TECHNOLOGIES FOR PRODUCING ECO-FRIENDLY TABLEWARE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35546/kntu2078-4481.2025.3.1.13Keywords:
injection molding, extrusion, starch, polyvinyl alcohol, disposable tablewareAbstract
The aim of this work was to study the possibility of creating biodegradable tableware based on corn starch and to determine the optimal method for its production. A mixture of corn starch and polyvinyl alcohol was selected as the polymer composition, with the addition of glycerin as a plasticizer. The research was conducted by comparing two main technological processes, the first being injection moulding and the second being extrusion followed by pressing. The experimental part included the development of the polymer composition and the production of samples using two technologies. The material was extruded on a single-screw laboratory extruder (Brabender) and moulded on a DE3330. F1 injection moulding machine. After the finished products were manufactured, a comprehensive study of their properties, in particular sorption and physical-mechanical properties, was carried out. This made it possible to evaluate the strength, moisture resistance and other key characteristics that are critical for tableware based on water-soluble and natural polymers. The results of the research clearly showed that the samples made by injection moulding had significantly better sorption and physical-mechanical properties compared to the samples obtained by extrusion. This indicates the advantage of the injection moulding method for obtaining high-quality products from this polymer composition. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the fact that, for the first time, a comparative study was conducted on the influence of different manufacturing methods on the properties of eco-friendly tableware made from corn starch. This opens up new opportunities for optimising production processes. The practical significance of the study lies in expanding the range of eco-friendly tableware on the modern market by offering a new, fully biodegradable product based on raw materials available in Ukraine.
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