Study of the Possibility of Using Biodegradable Cellulose-Containing Materials Based on Miscanthus as Disposable Tableware and Food Packaging

Introduction. Currently, the development of biodegradable materials is one of the priority areas for the development of science and technology in the field of ecology and environmental protection.

Purpose. The purpose of the paper is to study cellulose-containing materials in order to determine the possibility of their useage as packaging materials for food products and disposable tableware.

Materials and Methods. In this paper, the objects of the study were a material based on miscanthus and a material based on bleached cellulose. The research was carried out at the Russian Biotechnological University following studies on barrier properties, deformation-strength characteristics, sanitary and hygienic indicators and biodegradability.

Results. Miscanthus material has higher physical and mechanical properties compared to cellulose wood material. The permeability to water vapor, oxygen, as well as the grease resistance of all the studied samples is low. Wood pulp and miscanthus materials are non-grease resistant and are not recommended for fatty foods. When studying samples in a liquid vermicompost medium, it was noted that samples from wood cellulose and miscanthus decomposed in the model medium at the 8th week. It was determined that after 6 weeks of composting, samples of the material from miscanthus decomposed completely, while samples of the material from wood cellulose achieved complete biodegradation after 12 weeks. Studies of laboratory samples in accordance with the technical regulations of the Customs Union 005/2011 “On the safety of packaging” have established that the maximum permissible concentrations of released low-molecular substances do not exceed the established norm, and such packaging can be used for contact with food products.

Conclusions. As a result of studies of the quality of cellulose materials, it was determined that the quality of the products is satisfactory: no defects, no damage, no inclusions. It was established that the studied samples have high physical and mechanical properties. It was determined that samples of cellulose materials decompose completely within 3 months. In this case, not even fragments of materials remain. It was found that even under conditions of limited access to air oxygen (landfill model), the samples decompose completely within 4 months without the formation of fragments of products or fibers. Based on the results of the studies, the compliance of samples of cellulose plates with the standards of TR CU 005/2011 was determined. The outcomes of the research reveal that these cellulose-containing materials can be used as packaging materials for food products and disposable tableware.

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