Suitability study of novel Bio-plasticizer from Agave sisalana leaf for biofilm applications: a biomass to biomaterial approach

Leachable plasticizers made of petroleum are causing growing environmental and health concerns because they are so dangerous to the environment. Therefore, searching for novel biodegradable plasticizers is of increasing interest of researchers across different domains. So, there is a need to develop bio-based plasticizers from natural sources. Within this context, Agave sisalana act to be real alternatives to the chemical plasticizers because they are biocompatible and biodegradable. In light of these aspects, in this work, we explored a green plasticizer from Agave sisalana, a renewable resource. In this report, a compound was isolated from the residue after extracting from sisal leaf and its structure was investigated. Thermal investigations (TGA), X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to assess its chemical stability and structure. The surface morphology of A. sisalana was examined in detail by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and particle size is analyzed by using SEM/EDAX. The results show that the novel bioplasticizers have better qualities than the other traditional plasticizers. The crystallinity index and crystallinity size values of the A. sisalana leaf plasticizer were calculated through X-ray-diffraction for the isolated biomaterials. This exposed its amorphous-crystalline nature. The particle size of the extracted plant material was examined. The kinetic activation parameter was calculated by using TGA/DTG studies. The plasticizing effect of this novel bioplasticizers was also studied by reinforcing this with PLA matrix for biofilm manufacturing for futuristic applications. The conducted investigation showed that these bioplasticizers could be suitable for applications in the bioplastics sector.

Automated summary

Traditional plasticizers are harmful to the environment and health, leading to the search for biodegradable alternatives. This study examined a green plasticizer extracted from Agave sisalana and investigated its structure and performance. The results showed that this novel bioplasticizer had better qualities than traditional ones and could be suitable for applications in the bioplastics sector.