Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science and Technology
Vol 1, No 1 (2017)

Analysis of Biodegradation of Bioplastics Made of Cassava Starch

Nanang Eko Wahyuningtiyas (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Negeri Malang)
Heru Suryanto (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Negeri Malang)



Article Info

Publish Date
06 Aug 2017

Abstract

Environmental pollution due to plastic waste taking too long to decompose has become a global problem. There have been numerous solutions proposed, one of which is the use of bioplastics. The use of cassava starch as the main ingredient in the manufacture of bioplastics shows great potential, since Indonesia has a diverse range of starch-producing plants. The aim of the present study is to analyse the effect of glycerol on microbial degradation. This experimental research investigated the use of cassava flour mixed with glycerol plasticizer at various concentrations (0, 2, 2.5, 3%) in the synthesis of bioplastics. The aspects studied were biodegradability, moisture absorption (using ASTM D570), shelf life, and morphological properties (using a camera equipped with a macro lens) and SEM. This study revealed that complete degradation could be achieved on the 9th day. The addition of a large concentration of glycerol would accelerate the microbial degradation process, increase moisture, and extend the shelf life of bioplastics in a dry place.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jmest

Publisher

Subject

Energy Engineering Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering Materials Science & Nanotechnology Mechanical Engineering

Description

Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST) is a peer reviewed, open access journal that publishes original research articles and review articles in all areas of Mechanical Engineering and Basic ...