General Objective: Develop new bioplastics applicable in the Ecuadorian plastic industry through the use of low-cost and natural plasticizers and solvents identified by virtual screening with computational tools.
Specific objectives:
- Prepare 100% natural bioplastic films (6 months).
Six possible natural solvents and plasticizers will be identified using computational tools. The molecules to produce bioplastic (cellulose, starch, pectin, chitin) will be experimentally tested and the relevant properties of bioplastics will be determined, such as mechanical, degradation, environmental toxicity, thermal, and fluidity. At least 3 solvents and 3 natural plasticizers will be obtained that could be used for pellet production on a prototype scale. - Produce bioplastic pellets at a prototype scale (6 months).
Pellets of six bioplastic formulations will be produced on a 5 kg scale and a recycling process will be formulated. Production parameters will be identified to carry out extrusion tests on a semi-industrial and recycling scale. At least 1 100% natural bioplastic formulation and 1 HDPE composite bioplastic formulation will be obtained as prototypes for large-scale testing.
Participating Institutions:
USFQ, EPN, UTA.
Participants:
Project Director Frank Alexis
- Jose Ramon Mora
- Jose Francisco Alvarez Barreto
- Sebastian Ponce
- Victor Hugo Guerrero Barragan
- Patricia Isabel Ponton Bravo
- Juan Gilberto Paredes Salinas
Awarded budget: $46750,00
Project Status: Completed
