Studi awal perlu dilakukan dalam mempelajari sifat mekanik komposit suatu bioplastik. Hal ini dilakukan agar diperoleh bioplastik yang dapat disesuaikan dengan pemanfaatanya secara tepat. Kemampuan terdegradasinya juga perlu dipelajari agar pemanfaatannya tidak merusak lingkungan. Penelitian untuk mengetahui pengaruh komposisi selulosa-kitosan terhadap sifat mekanik bioplastik, morfologi dan sifat biodegradabilitas. Pada penelitian ini bioplastik berbahan dasar limbah ampas sagu. Kitosan diperoleh dari isolasi limbah cangkang kepiting menggunakan metode microwave. Pembuatan bioplastik menggunakan metode blending dengan variasi perbandingan selulosa-kitosan 3:1, 4:1, dan 5:1 (b/b). Analisis Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) menunjukkan adanya gugus OH, CH, dan NH pada film. Hasil Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) menunjukkan permukaan yang tidak rata dan adanya aglomerasi. Uji ketahanan air yang diperoleh berturut turut 131; 110,5; dan 92,68%. Bioplastik dengan daya serap air paling rendah terdapat pada variasi 5:1 yaitu sebesar 92,68%. Uji sifat mekanik menunjukkan penambahan berat selulosa dapat meningkatkan nilai kuat tarik dan modulus young, tetapi menurunkan nilai elongasi. Nilai kuat tarik terbaik terdapat pada perbandingan selulosa-kitosan 5:1 sebesar 1,48 MPa. Nilai elongasi terbaik terdapat pada komposisi 4:1 sebesar 13,36% dan nilai modulus young terbaik terdapat pada komposisi 5:1 sebesar 12,62 MPa. Uji biodegradabilitas menunjukkan persentase pengurangan bioplastik terbesar setelah 28 hari penguburan yaitu 85% (3:1). Optimization of Mechanical Properties of Bioplastic Composite from Sago Pulp Cellulose and Crab Shell Chitosan. Preliminary studies are necessary to study the mechanical properties of bioplastic to obtain bioplastics that can be adjusted to their proper use. The degradable ability also needs to be examined so that its utilization does not damage the environment. This study investigated how cellulose and chitosan composition affects these bioplastics' mechanical, morphological, and biodegradable properties. Cellulose-based bioplastics were isolated from sago pulp waste, while chitosan was extracted from crab shell waste using the microwave method. The bioplastics were produced through a blending process with different cellulose-chitosan ratios of 3:1, 4:1, and 5:1 (w/w). FTIR analysis revealed the presence of OH, CH, and NH groups in the bioplastic film. SEM results showed an uneven surface and agglomeration in the bioplastic. Water resistance tests yielded 131, 110.5, and 92.68% absorption capacities for the respective ratios, with the lowest absorption seen in the 5:1 variation. Mechanical tests demonstrated that increasing cellulose content improved tensile strength and Young's modulus but reduced elongation. The highest tensile strength (1.48 MPa) was achieved with a 5:1 cellulose-chitosan ratio. The best elongation (13.36%) was observed in the 4:1 composition, and the highest Young's modulus (12.62 MPa) was found in the 5:1 composition. The biodegradability test showed the most significant percentage of bioplastic reduction after 28 days of burial, which was 85% (3:1).
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