Production of a Biodegradable Polymeric High Strength Material, Based on Xanthan Gum and Potato Starch, Modified by the Joint Addition of Plasticizers

Production of a biodegradable, environmentally friendly polymer film material, composed of potato starch (PS), xanthan gum (XG), and plasticizers: glycerin, sorbitol, and citric acid, was carried out. The effect of these components on the structural and biopolymer composite mechanical properties, including elasticity and tensile strength, was investigated. The addition of XG significantly reduces the hardness for the film forming materials, thereby lowering the difficulty of gelatinization. It was demonstrated that increasing the plasticizers mass during composite blend preparation improved elasticity but reduced the mechanical strength of the films. It is assumed that these additives in the biopolymer disrupted hydrogen bonds and other intermolecular contacts between starch and gum macro chains. Glycerol influences the elasticity of the bioplastic, while sorbitol influences its strength. Taking various factors into account, the optimal combined concentration of glycerol, sorbitol and citric acid was determined in composite during film preparation. Based on the results of the new polymeric films’ flexibility study, it was concluded that they could be used as a replacement for traditional, non-biodegradable polymeric materials. At the optimal concentration of components, the strength of polymer films is 1.6 MPa, and the relative elongation is 45%.