Development of bioplastic from seaweed and chitin from crustacean shells: A study of novel blending techniques, environmental degradability, and structural strength

Plastic pollution has persisted as a global issue for nearly six decades, emphasising the need for sustainable alternatives. This study addresses the challenge by developing an eco-friendly bioplastic from Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed integrated with chitin derived from prawn shell waste. Leveraging these two abundantly available natural polymers, novel bioplastic composites were developed in varying proportions and subjected to comprehensive characterization to evaluate their mechanical, physical, and biodegradability properties in both soil and aquatic environments. The resulting bioplastics demonstrated notable mechanical strength, exhibiting a maximum tensile stress of 76.880 kgf/cm² and a Young’s modulus of 536.430 MPa, indicating high structural integrity. However, the addition of collagen and rice water was found to affect these mechanical properties, suggesting limitations in its compatibility with the polymer matrix but improved the transparency of the material. The developed biopolymer exhibits good degradability and solubility properties, which can be enhanced with further research. These characteristics makes the biopolymer emerge as a promising candidate for soft packaging applications. The outcomes of this research not only advance the field of biopolymer development but also reinforce the potential of marine and shellfish-derived biomass in addressing the growing environmental burden of plastic waste.