Rethinking sustainability: A research on starch based bioplastic

Year 2018, Volume: 3 Issue: 3, 249 - 260, 01.11.2018

Esen Gökçe Özdamar , Murat Ateş

https://doi.org/10.29187/jscmt.2018.28

Cited By: 27

Abstract

Based on the need to rely on sustainable feedstock,
depend less on fossil resources and decrease carbon emissions, biomaterials and
bioplastics as substitutes of conventional petroleum based plastics have been
the focus of many material scientists, architects and industrial product
designers. Therefore, this article is an experimentation on the possibilities of
starch based bioplastic production. The focus of the article is to understand
the limits of this new material and figure out whether starch based bioplastic
material can be used in architecture, both as a facade material and an interior
space furnishing.

 

Based on Steven’s bioplastic formula, starch based
bioplastic is produced handmade as a surface and cubic specimens with different
developed variations in this article. Different starch types, such as potato,
corn, wheat and tapioca are tested and mixed with pellets known as local
agricultural waste, natural fibers and aggregates. Within the research
bioplastic produced from potato starch is formed and molded firstly as a sheet
and secondly as a three-dimensional material and tested for vulnerability and durability.
The research expands to understanding how organic and inorganic interventions
can be made in order to increase the life span of the material, make it durable
and resistant to humid and weather conditions. It is observed that tapioca
starch gives the finest, smoothest, flexible and strengthful biopolymer among
all.

 

Issues on sustainability, designing and sensing the
unpredictable and searching for “new” materials for a greener and sustainable
future are the main core of bioplastic production. Regarding the negative
carbon footprint and long-term environmental effects of fossil-based plastics
through landfill and incineration, the search for such a material brings forth
a deeper material experience along with a further collaboration of architects and
engineering disciplines.  Through this
production, we need to figure out deeply the nature of new starch based
materials in architecture, which are eco-friendly, cheaper and more strengthful
materials compared to conventional synthesized polymers.

Keywords

Agricultural waste, biocomposite, construction material, material design, starch based bioplastic

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