MECHANICAL AND BARRIER PROPERTIES OF LACTIC ACID POLY ACTIVE FILMS ADDED FROM URUCUM ACTIVE COMPOUNDS (Bixa orellana L.)

The increase in consumption of industrialized products that require conventional plastic packaging, derived from petroleum, has caused serious environmental and ecological problems. In this study we developed an active biodegradable plastic based on lactic acid poly (PLA) and additive with oil and bixin paste containing bioactive from the annatto. This material can be in the form of flexible film or coating film, with application in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic areas, in order to meet a demand that seeks balance for environmentally friendly consumption. The methodology used in the making of the films was the casting technique, which is simple and can easily be adopted by small industries and cooperatives. The formulations were defined by factorial statistical planning 22 with two dependent variables, bixin paste (0.15-0.85%) and annatto oil (0.15-0.85%), resulting in 4 main formulations and 3 central points. Tests were performed to evaluate the effect of bioadditives on the physicochemical, mechanical, and barrier characteristics of films in relation to a control film containing only PLA (C-PLA). The results showed that the incorporation of bioadditives into the film decreased water vapor permeability by 528.5-552.4% and tensile strength by 41-59% in the formulations, but increased the elongation percentage between 64-260%. The developed biodegradable flexible film has low permeability and the plasticizing effect was attributed to annatto oil. This material can be used in the manufacture of active antioxidant packaging for industry, which requires protection against oxidative reactions during storage.