SWETA KUMARI, SANGITA YADAV, NEHA LUHACH, NISHA SETHI, ANKUR KASHYAP, NARSI RAM BISHNOI AND ASHA GUPTA*
Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology,
Hisar-125 001 (Haryana), India
*(e-mail: gupta06amit@gmail.com; Mobile: 94163 72247)
(Received: August 16, 2025; Accepted: October 3, 2025)
ABSTRACT
Conventional plastics present significant environmental challenges due to their non-biodegradable nature. This study evaluated polylactic acid (PLA) as a sustainable alternative, focusing on lactic acid synthesis from orange peel powder (OPP) and its blending with wheat gluten (WG) for bioplastic production. Orange peels were sun-dried, hydrolyzed and characterized by FTIR, confirming cellulose and protein content suitable for fermentation. A 10% hydrolyzed OPP concentration produced the highest lactic acid yield, which was extracted and purified. PLA synthesized via direct poly condensation showed thermal stability above 250 °C (DSC). Mechanical testing revealed that a 60:40 PLA/WG blend offered superior tensile strength and flexibility. SEM confirmed uniform polymer distribution, while solubilization and migration tests indicated the effects of solvents and temperature on film stability. These findings highlight the potential of PLA/WG composites as eco-friendly packaging materials, providing a scalable alternative to petroleum-based plastics and contributing to sustainable waste management.
Key words: PLA, wheat gluten, lactic acid, bioplastic, biodegradation