COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF BIOPLASTIC PRODUCED FROM YAM (DISCOREA ALATA) AND POTATO (IPOMOEA BATATAS) STARCH
Abstract
This study conducts a comparative analysis of bioplastics produced from water yam (Dioscorea alata) and sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) starch. Both types of starch were extracted from samples collected at Oja-Oba market in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti state, and processed into bioplastics under controlled conditions. Results revealed that yam-based bioplastics demonstrated superior properties, with water solubility at 53.12%, alcohol solubility at 43.75%, and biodegradability at 66.66%. In contrast, potato-based bioplastics showed lower values, with water solubility at 37.5%, alcohol solubility at 31.25%, and biodegradability at 39.33%. These findings suggest that yam-derived bioplastics have potential advantages in terms of solubility and environmental degradability. SEM and EDX analyses further indicated structural and elemental differences, with yam bioplastics exhibiting a porous structure and the presence of elements such as iron, calcium, and potassium, which may contribute to mechanical stability. The study highlights yam-based bioplastics as a promising alternative to conventional plastics, offering a renewable and environmentally friendly option.
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