Recent Research and Patents on Preparation and Application of Starch-Based Plastics

Background: With the increasing environmental protection awareness, humans gradually became aware that plastic products and waste are causing damage to human living environment. Some countries have successively established the regulations to restrict or forbid the use of non-degradable plastics, especially disposable plastic products. Researchers have accelerated the development and promotion of biodegradable starch-based plastics because they are inexpensive, renewable, and biodegradable. Objective: The purpose of this article is to provide an overview on the development of the starch-based plastics including component proportion, processing condition, and processing equipment, as well as to explain how these technologies affect the material’s quality and application. Method: The paper reviews various patents and research developments about starch-based materials. From the aspects of biodegradable ability, mechanical properties, water resistance, processing properties, cost, durability, etc., the advantages and disadvantages of various patents and technologies are involved. Results: Current and future development trends on the component proportion, processing condition, and processing equipment of starch-based plastics are finally provided to improve quality and application of the starch-based plastics. Conclusion: The considerable attention has been paid on the technology of biodegradable starch-based plastics. The recent patents and technologies have done us the favor to apply the starch-based plastics in a wider range. The problems to improve mechanical properties, water resistance, processing properties, durability, and to save cost are still difficult. For further enhancement, more methods and equipment are expected to solve or simplify the above difficulties.