Preliminary Synthesis and Basic Performance Characterization of Bio-Based Composite Materials Using Starch and Gelatin as Representative Matrix Phases: Exploratory Conceptual Design for Sustainable Toy Scenarios

Abstract

The overconsumption of traditional plastic products causes serious white pollution and ecological pressure. Bio-based composites derived from natural polymers have emerged as promising sustainable alternatives. This work preliminarily fabricates starch- and gelatin-based composite films modified with natural fillers, and characterizes their basic physicochemical properties, dyeing performance, mechanical behavior, soil burial mass loss, and seed germination responses. On the basis of the tested baseline properties, tentative conceptual design schemes for eco-friendly toys were proposed. Notably, all experimental results in this work are preliminary and limited by insufficient experimental replicates. This study provides only basic experimental data and preliminary feasibility references for developing natural polymer composites for low-carbon consumer product scenarios.