The Effect Of The Addition Of Cellulose Nanocrystal Fillers From Oil Palm Fruit Fibers And Potassium Chloride (KCl) Dispersing Agents In The Manufacture Of Avocado And Glycerol Seed Bioplastic As A Plasticizer
The Effect of Cellulose Nanocrystal Fillers from Oil Palm Fruit Fibers and Potassium Chloride (KCl) Dispersing Agents in the Manufacture of Avocado and Glycerol Seed Bioplastic as a Plasticizer
Introduction
The world is facing a significant challenge in managing plastic waste, with millions of tons of plastic ending up in oceans and landfills every year. Bioplastics, made from renewable resources such as plants, have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional plastics. In this study, we focus on the development of bioplastic from avocado seed starch by improving its mechanical properties and resistance to water through the addition of cellulose nanocrystal (NCC) and potassium chloride (KCl) as a dispersing agent.
Background
Avocado seed starch is a renewable resource that can be used to produce bioplastics. However, its mechanical properties and resistance to water are limited, making it unsuitable for many applications. Cellulose nanocrystal (NCC) is a biodegradable and renewable filler that can be obtained from oil palm fruit fibers through a hydrolysis process using sulfuric acid (H2SO4). NCC has been shown to improve the mechanical properties of bioplastics, but its distribution and interaction with the bioplastic matrix are critical factors that affect its performance.
Materials and Methods
In this study, we used avocado seed starch as the main component of the bioplastic, with glycerol as a plasticizer. We added NCC with a concentration variation of 1-4% and KCl with a variation of 0-3% concentration to the bioplastic mixture. The resulting bioplastics were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).
Results
The results of XRD analysis showed that the NCC crystallinity index increased with an increase in H2SO4 concentration to 50%, signifying the formation of a more regular crystal structure. FTIR analysis confirmed that the resulting NCC had a structure similar to natural cellulose. TEM observation showed that the NCC had a stem shape (crystal structure) with an average size of 83-352 Nm for length and 50-500 nm for diameter.
The addition of NCC to bioplastic had a positive impact on mechanical properties. The highest tensile strength was achieved in bioplastic with the addition of 2% NCC and 2% KCl, reaching 1.79 MPa. The extension of the best break was obtained in bioplastic with 4% NCC and KCl 3%, with a value of 19.39%. The water absorption test showed that bioplastic with the addition of 2% NCC and 1% KCl had the ability to absorb lower water, respectively with a value of 57.1% and 53.8%. This indicates that the addition of NCC and KCl helps increase bioplastic resistance to water.
SEM analysis showed an equitable NCC distribution on the bioplastic surface with the addition of 2% NCC and 2% KCl, showing that KCl plays an important role as an effective dispersing agent. The results of the TGA analysis showed that bioplastic starch with the addition of 2% NCC had better thermal stability compared to pure starch bioplastic and starch bioplastic with 2% NCC and 2% KCl.
Discussion
The biodegradation test results showed that the bioplastic planted in the soil was degraded faster than the bioplastic which was left above the ground surface. This shows that this bioplastic has the potential to decompose naturally and environmentally friendly.
Conclusion
This study shows that the addition of NCC and KCl can improve mechanical properties, resistance to water, and thermal stability of bioplastic from avocado seed starch. This bioplastic development has the potential to be an alternative packaging material that is environmentally friendly and biodegradable, and can support the use of oil palm waste.
Important Points
- Addition of NCC to Bioplastic Avocado seed starch can increase tensile strength and resistance to water.
- The addition of KCl as a dispersing agent helps increase the distribution of NCCs evenly on the bioplastic surface.
- Bioplastic Avocado seed starch with the addition of NCC has better thermal stability at high temperatures.
- This bioplastic has the ability to decompose naturally, which is an important aspect to support environmental sustainability.
Future Directions
Bioplastic development from renewable sources such as avocado seed starch and NCC from oil palm waste has great potential to reduce dependence on synthetic plastic and support the concept of circular economy. Further research is needed to scale up the production of bioplastics and to explore their potential applications in various industries.
Recommendations
Based on the results of this study, we recommend the use of NCC and KCl as additives to improve the mechanical properties and resistance to water of bioplastics from avocado seed starch. We also recommend further research on the biodegradation of bioplastics and their potential applications in various industries.
Limitations
This study has some limitations. The bioplastic mixture was prepared using a simple mixing process, which may not be suitable for large-scale production. Additionally, the biodegradation test was conducted in a controlled environment, which may not reflect real-world conditions.
Future Research Directions
Future research should focus on scaling up the production of bioplastics and exploring their potential applications in various industries. Additionally, further research is needed to understand the biodegradation of bioplastics and their potential impact on the environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study shows that the addition of NCC and KCl can improve mechanical properties, resistance to water, and thermal stability of bioplastic from avocado seed starch. This bioplastic development has the potential to be an alternative packaging material that is environmentally friendly and biodegradable, and can support the use of oil palm waste.
Q&A: The Effect of Cellulose Nanocrystal Fillers from Oil Palm Fruit Fibers and Potassium Chloride (KCl) Dispersing Agents in the Manufacture of Avocado and Glycerol Seed Bioplastic as a Plasticizer
Q: What is the main objective of this study?
A: The main objective of this study is to develop bioplastic from avocado seed starch by improving its mechanical properties and resistance to water through the addition of cellulose nanocrystal (NCC) and potassium chloride (KCl) as a dispersing agent.
Q: What are the benefits of using NCC in bioplastic production?
A: The addition of NCC to bioplastic can improve its mechanical properties, such as tensile strength and resistance to water. NCC is also biodegradable and renewable, making it an attractive alternative to traditional plastics.
Q: How is NCC obtained from oil palm fruit fibers?
A: NCC is obtained from oil palm fruit fibers through a hydrolysis process using sulfuric acid (H2SO4). This process breaks down the cellulose fibers into individual nanocrystals, which can be used as a filler in bioplastic production.
Q: What is the role of KCl in bioplastic production?
A: KCl is used as a dispersing agent to improve the distribution of NCC in the bioplastic matrix. This helps to create a more uniform and stable bioplastic material.
Q: What are the results of the XRD analysis?
A: The results of the XRD analysis show that the NCC crystallinity index increases with an increase in H2SO4 concentration to 50%, signifying the formation of a more regular crystal structure.
Q: What are the results of the FTIR analysis?
A: The results of the FTIR analysis confirm that the resulting NCC has a structure similar to natural cellulose.
Q: What are the results of the TEM analysis?
A: The results of the TEM analysis show that the NCC has a stem shape (crystal structure) with an average size of 83-352 Nm for length and 50-500 nm for diameter.
Q: What are the results of the mechanical properties test?
A: The results of the mechanical properties test show that the addition of NCC to bioplastic can improve its tensile strength and resistance to water. The highest tensile strength was achieved in bioplastic with the addition of 2% NCC and 2% KCl, reaching 1.79 MPa.
Q: What are the results of the water absorption test?
A: The results of the water absorption test show that bioplastic with the addition of 2% NCC and 1% KCl has the ability to absorb lower water, respectively with a value of 57.1% and 53.8%.
Q: What are the results of the TGA analysis?
A: The results of the TGA analysis show that bioplastic starch with the addition of 2% NCC has better thermal stability compared to pure starch bioplastic and starch bioplastic with 2% NCC and 2% KCl.
Q: What are the results of the biodegradation test?
A: The results of the biodegradation test show that the bioplastic planted in the soil is degraded faster than the bioplastic which is left above the ground surface.
Q: What are the implications of this study?
A: This study shows that the addition of NCC and KCl can improve mechanical properties, resistance to water, and thermal stability of bioplastic from avocado seed starch. This bioplastic development has the potential to be an alternative packaging material that is environmentally friendly and biodegradable, and can support the use of oil palm waste.
Q: What are the future directions of this research?
A: Future research should focus on scaling up the production of bioplastics and exploring their potential applications in various industries. Additionally, further research is needed to understand the biodegradation of bioplastics and their potential impact on the environment.
Q: What are the limitations of this study?
A: This study has some limitations. The bioplastic mixture was prepared using a simple mixing process, which may not be suitable for large-scale production. Additionally, the biodegradation test was conducted in a controlled environment, which may not reflect real-world conditions.