AP19676789 – Production of biodegradable plastic bags based on ethylene and corn starch

Purpose Synthesis of a biodegradable polymer. Production of a biodegradable polymer based on grafting ethylene to corn starch in the presence of a free radical initiator. Biodegradable polymers have been characterized using a wide range of methods: Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), 1H NMR and 13C NMR, scanning electron microscope (SEM) with EDX, particle size and distribution, dispersion viscosity, TGA and DSC, GPS, contact angle, X-ray diffraction analysis, transmission electron microscope TEM, specific area surfaces.

Relevance The project to create biodegradable polymers based on ethylene and starch with the addition of wheat and rice straw is relevant in the context of global environmental problems associated with the accumulation of plastic waste. The use of natural resources for the production of sustainable and environmentally friendly materials meets modern requirements for sustainable development and the transition to a closed-loop economy. The development of such polymers will reduce environmental pollution and the burden on landfills, as well as support agriculture through the use of local plant resources. This is an important step towards greener packaging and reducing the use of traditional plastic materials.

Scientific supervisor:  Doctor of Chemical Sciences, Professor, Gulzhakhan Yeligbayeva

Results obtained:  Within the project, biodegradable polymer materials for packaging films with improved mechanical and environmental properties were developed. Stepwise, graft and copolymer systems based on starch, straw, and functional additives were synthesized and studied, along with recycled PET processed via glycolysis. It was shown that the incorporation of modifying components increases material strength up to 39.9 MPa while ensuring controlled biodegradation in soil conditions. A comprehensive set of physicochemical and structural analyses confirmed the formation of the targeted polymer structures. Optimal synthesis and processing parameters were established, and pilot samples were produced. The obtained results demonstrate strong practical potential and feasibility for implementation in sustainable packaging production.

List of publications with links to them

1. Iskalieva A., Orazalin Z., Yeligbayeva G., Irmukhametova G., Taburova S., Toktar T. Synthesis of biodegradable polymer-based on starch for packaging films: a review // Kompleksnoe ispolzovanie mineralnogo syr’ya = Complex Use of Mineral Resources. 2023. Vol. 329. No. 2. Pp. 110–130. DOI: 10.31643/2024/6445.22. URL: https://doi.org/10.31643/2024/6445.22
2. Iskalieva A., Yesmurat M., Al Azzam K.M., Ainakulova D., Yerbolat Y., Negim E.-S., Ibrahim M.N.M., Gulzhakhan Y. Effect of polyethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate on the biodegradability of polyvinyl alcohol/starch blend films // Polymers. 2023. Vol. 15. P. 3165. DOI: 10.3390/polym15153165. URL: https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15153165
3. Yeligbayeva G., Al Azzam K.M., Bekbayeva L., Orazalin Z.K., Iskalieva A., Negim E.-S., Bounoua N. The effect of calcium carbonate, rice, and wheat straw on the biodegradability of polyethylene/starch films // Polymer Crystallization. 2024. DOI: 10.1155/2024/8674988. URL: https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/8674988
4. Bekbayeva L., Negim E.S.M., Niyazbekova R., Al Azzam K.M., Kairatuly O.Z., Ahmed E.H., Al-Harahsheh S. Development of eco-friendly biodegradable polymers based on polyethylene, polyvinyl alcohol, starch, and rice straw // Egyptian Journal of Chemistry. 2025. Vol. 68. No. 9. Pp. 237–247. DOI: 10.21608/ejchem.2025.376720.11617. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.21608/ejchem.2025.376720.11617
5. Yeligbayeva G., Orazalin Z., Alfergani A., Omirzakova K., Milissova N., Kusrini E. Effect of rice straw on the mechanical and biodegradability properties of the poly(polyethylene-g-acrylic acid) // Kompleksnoe ispolzovanie mineralnogo syr’ya = Complex Use of Mineral Resources. 2025. Vol. 338. No. 3. Pp. 51–58. DOI: 10.31643/2026/6445.28. URL: https://doi.org/10.31643/2026/6445.28