Production of eco-friendly plastics and bioplastics from crustacean shells and their environmental applications

Abstract

Bioplastics are made from chitosan in the form of chitin, which is the earth's second most abundant organic material. The material can be fabricated into large 3D objects and complex shapes by using injection molding or traditional casting techniques. In addition, the chitosan bioplastics break down within a couple of weeks and release rich amounts of nutrients for plant growth. Chitosan is brittle and opaque or tough and transparent depending on the chitosan fabrication method. This chapter shows that the temperature and concentration factors affect the mechanical properties of chitosan on a molecular level during the characterization study. Chitosan is prepared from a variety of crustaceans by using deacetylating of chitin from the exoskeletons. The structure of chitin is like cellulose, and chitosan has long been considered as a source of dietary fiber since it cannot be completely broken down in the upper human digestive tract. It is believed the unique properties of polymer and provide diverse functionality in foods due to functional groups of chitosan such as amino groups, both primary and second hydroxyl groups were present. Chitin is extracted from shrimp shells or crab shells and used to create a thin clear prototype using chitosan. The plastic has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, which could decrease waste and help to improve food exports. Chitin is a super material from crabs and other arthropods that have evolved over millions and millions. So, it has advantageous properties for different applications such as batteries, coffee cups, medical supplies, biomedical products, biotechnology, cosmetics, food and textile industries, and paper industry. © 2023 World Scientific Publishing Company. All rights reserved.