A novel MCDM approach to selecting a biodegradable dynamic plastic product: a probabilistic hesitant fuzzy set-based COPRAS method

The development of biodegradable polymers for both industrial and commercial uses is crucial nowadays due to the detrimental environmental effects of synthetic plastics. For a variety of uses, researchers have created numerous starch-based composites. The current study examines bioplastics made from maize and rice starch for packaging purposes. Several types of bioplastic samples are created using various ratios of gelatin, glycerol, citric acid, maize starch, and rice starch. People have discovered the value of plastics all around the world. It can be used for packaging, trash bags, liquid containers, throwaway quick service restaurant products, and other things. Regarding the negative aspect of plastics, their dumping after durability poses a serious risk to both people and wildlife. This prompted researchers to seek alternative natural resources that may be used to create flexible polymers that are recyclable, eco-friendly, and sustainable. It has been discovered that tuber and grain starches can be used to produce flexible biopolymers. The decision to choose the best among these choices is an MCDM problem because the carbohydrates from these suppliers have varying qualities. The Probabilistic Hesitant Fuzzy Set (PHFS)-based COmplex PRoportional ASsessment (COPRAS) method for solving uncertainty problems is utilized in this research study. To get the objective weights of the criteria in this case, we used the Critic method of weight determination. An example case of selecting the optimal hydrolyzes for biodegradable dynamic plastic synthesis was chosen to represent the applicability of the suggested approach. The findings demonstrate the feasibility of thermoplastic starches derived from rice and corn for packaging applications. © 2023 Elsevier Ltd