CHEESA: Chemical Engineering Research Articles
Vol. 8 No. 2 (2025): In Progress

Biofoam Cassava Starch and Sugarcane Bagasse Cellulose with the Addition of Polyvinyl Alcohol and Chitosan

Syarifah, Nurul Laila (Unknown)
Masriatini, Rully (Unknown)
Wahyudi, Agus (Unknown)
Fatimura, Muhrinsyah (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Mar 2026

Abstract

The persistence of non-biodegradable styrofoam waste is contributing to the development of sustainable packaging materials from renewable resources, such as biofoam from natural biopolymers. Therefore, this study aimed to develop biofoam based on cassava starch and cellulose isolated from sugarcane bagasse, modified with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan. The biofoam was synthesized using a baking process and evaluated for physical and mechanical properties, including water absorption, density, tensile strength, and biodegradability. To examine the effect of formulation, PVA concentrations ranged from 10% to 15%, while chitosan was added at 1.5%, 2.0%, and 2.5%. The result showed that water absorption values ranged from 6.4–14.2%, with densities at 0.370–0.613 g/cm³, tensile strengths 0.030–0.613 MPa, and biodegradability levels 74.4–100% within 14 days. Although the optimal formulation was achieved with 10% PVA and 2.5% chitosan, all samples met the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) for biodegradability, showing potential to replace conventional styrofoam.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

cheesa

Publisher

Subject

Chemical Engineering, Chemistry & Bioengineering Chemistry

Description

CHEESA: Chemical Engineering Research Articles is scientific journal that publishes articles in the field of Chemical Engineering, Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Physical Chemistry. It is a journal to encourage research publication to research ...