فهرست نشریات علمی دسترسی آزاد ایران

The increasing environmental impact of petroleum-based plastics has accelerated the search for sustainable, biodegradable alternatives derived from renewable resources. Among various biopolymers, starch-based bioplastics have gained significant attention due to their abundance, low cost, biodegradability, and ease of processing. This review provides a comprehensive overview of starch-based bioplastics, focusing on their sources, extraction methods, structural characteristics, production techniques, additives, and diverse applications. Starch, primarily composed of amylose and amylopectin, can be converted into thermoplastic starch (TPS) through plasticization, enabling melt processing via extrusion, injection molding, or solvent casting. The addition of plasticizers, fillers, acids, and biodegradable polymer blends enhances mechanical strength, flexibility, and water resistance, although challenges remain in achieving optimal thermal stability and moisture tolerance. Characterization studies involving mechanical, thermal, and morphological analyses are discussed to elucidate structure–property relationships. The review also highlights emerging applications in packaging, agriculture, medical devices, 3D printing, consumer goods, automotive components, and textiles. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of optimizing formulations, utilizing agricultural residues, and performing life-cycle and biodegradation assessments to ensure sustainability. Overall, starch-based bioplastics represent a promising pathway toward reducing plastic pollution and advancing a circular, bio-based materials economy.