Optimizing biodegradable plastics: Molecular dynamics insights into starch plasticization with glycerol and oleic acid

Petroleum-based plastics dominate everyday life, necessitating the exploration of natural polymers as alternatives. Starch, abundant and biodegradable, is a promising raw material. However, understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying starch plasticization has proven challenging. To address this, we employ molecular dynamics simulations, focusing on amylose as a model. Our comprehensive evaluation revealed that chain size affects solubility, temperature influenced diffusivity and elastic properties, and oleic acid expressed potential as an alternative plasticizer. Furthermore, blending glycerol or oleic acid with water suggested the enhancement amylose's elasticity. These findings contribute to the design of sustainable and improved biodegradable plastics.

Automated summary

By employing molecular dynamics simulations, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the plasticization of starch. Our study revealed that chain size affects the solubility of starch, temperature influences its diffusivity and elastic properties, and oleic acid shows potential as an alternative plasticizer. Blending glycerol or oleic acid with water enhances the elasticity of starch.