Synthesis, Mechanical Testing, and Biodegradability Assessment of Polymers for Engineering Packaging Applications

Abstract

The increasing environmental burden of petroleum-based plastic packaging has intensified research into biodegradable polymeric materials capable of meeting mechanical and functional requirements of engineering applications. Conventional plastics exhibit excellent strength and durability but persist in the environment for decades, contributing to pollution and ecological degradation. This study presents the synthesis, mechanical characterization, and biodegradability assessment of biodegradable polymer composites developed for engineering packaging applications. Polylactic acid (PLA) and starch-based polymer blends were synthesized using melt blending techniques, with natural fiber reinforcements incorporated to enhance mechanical performance. Standardized mechanical tests, including tensile, flexural, and impact strength evaluations, were conducted to assess material suitability for load-bearing and protective packaging. Biodegradability was examined through controlled soil burial and composting experiments, monitoring mass loss and structural degradation over time. Results demonstrate that optimized polymer blends achieve mechanical properties comparable to conventional packaging plastics while exhibiting significantly enhanced biodegradation rates. The findings highlight the potential of biodegradable polymer systems as sustainable alternatives for engineering packaging applications.