The Influence Of Bioplastic Storage Time From Starch Porang With Plasticizer Sorbitol On Mechanical And Thermal Properties

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The Influence of Bioplastic Storage Time from Starch Porang with Plasticizer Sorbitol on Mechanical and Thermal Properties

Introduction

The increasing demand for environmentally friendly materials has led to the development of bioplastics, which are made from renewable resources such as starch and chitosan. Bioplastics have gained attention due to their biodegradability and non-toxicity, making them an attractive alternative to traditional plastics. However, the shelf life of bioplastics is a critical factor that affects their mechanical and thermal properties. This study aims to investigate the effect of storage time on the mechanical and thermal properties of bioplastics made from starch porang with plasticizer sorbitol.

Materials and Methods

The bioplastics were prepared by mixing starch porang with chitosan and plasticizer sorbitol. The mixture was then heated at 80 °C and dried at 60 °C. The bioplastics were then stored for different periods of time, ranging from 1 to 4 weeks. The mechanical properties of the bioplastics were evaluated using tensile strength and elongation tests. The thermal properties were evaluated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The biodegradation of the bioplastics was also evaluated using mass loss measurements.

Results

The results of the tensile strength and elongation tests showed that the shelf life of the bioplastics had a significant effect on their mechanical properties. The tensile strength and elongation decreased with increasing storage time, with a significant decrease observed after 2 weeks. However, the tensile strength value still met the standard after 4 weeks, with values of 2,287 MPa, 1,414 MPa, and 1,033 MPa, and elongations of 11.906%, 16.314%, and 24.707%, respectively.

The biodegradation testing showed that the bioplastic mass decreased every week, with a significant decrease observed after 3 weeks. This indicates that the bioplastic requires a minimum time of 21 days to experience degradation. The thermal testing showed that the shelf life also affected the thermal properties of the bioplastics, with a decrease in mass of 9954 mg in the second week.

The FT-IR analysis showed that there were no significant changes in the wave numbers from the spectrum of starch, chitosan, and sorbitol, which is marked by the presence of the O-H, C-O, and N-H function groups. This indicates that the chemical structure of the bioplastics remains stable even after the storage process.

The SEM analysis showed uneven bioplastic surfaces and the absence of cracks that are formed. This indicates that the surface quality of the bioplastics is affected by the storage time.

Discussion

The effect of storage time on bioplastics is very important to know, especially in the context of their application as environmentally friendly materials. Decreased tensile strength and observed elongation can be caused by changes in the physical and chemical structure of the bioplastics during the shelf life. Bioplastics made from natural ingredients such as starch tend to be more easily degraded compared to conventional plastic. Decreased mass during biodegradation testing is an indication that this bioplastic has the potential to become an alternative solution that is environmentally friendly.

However, it should be noted that bioplastics must also meet certain mechanical standards in order to compete with petroleum-based plastic. FT-IR analysis provides important information about the chemical stability of the materials used. The absence of changes in the wave number indicates that the chemical structure of the bioplastics remains stable even after the storage process. This can be an indicator that this bioplastic can be used in a certain time without losing its chemical nature.

Conclusion

This study shows that the bioplastic of Porang Pati with Plasticizer Sorbitol has good potential in the field of material applications that are more environmentally friendly. However, further research is needed to optimize mechanical and thermal properties so that it can be widely used in various applications, as well as considering its aspects of biodegradity and stability in the long run.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  1. Further research is needed to optimize the mechanical and thermal properties of bioplastics made from starch porang with plasticizer sorbitol.
  2. The biodegradability and stability of bioplastics should be further investigated to ensure that they meet the required standards.
  3. The surface quality of bioplastics should be improved to enhance their mechanical properties and interactions with the environment.
  4. The use of bioplastics in various applications should be explored to determine their potential as an environmentally friendly material.

Future Directions

The development of bioplastics is a rapidly growing field, and further research is needed to explore their potential as environmentally friendly materials. The results of this study provide valuable insights into the effect of storage time on the mechanical and thermal properties of bioplastics made from starch porang with plasticizer sorbitol. Future studies should focus on optimizing the mechanical and thermal properties of bioplastics, as well as investigating their biodegradability and stability in the long run.

Limitations

This study has several limitations that should be noted. The bioplastics were prepared using a specific method, and the results may not be generalizable to other methods. Additionally, the storage time was limited to 4 weeks, and further research is needed to determine the long-term effects of storage time on the mechanical and thermal properties of bioplastics.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the effect of storage time on the mechanical and thermal properties of bioplastics made from starch porang with plasticizer sorbitol. The results show that the shelf life of bioplastics has a significant effect on their mechanical properties, and that biodegradation testing is an important tool for evaluating the biodegradability of bioplastics. Further research is needed to optimize the mechanical and thermal properties of bioplastics, as well as investigating their biodegradability and stability in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Bioplastics Made from Starch Porang with Plasticizer Sorbitol

Q: What are bioplastics?

A: Bioplastics are a type of plastic that is made from renewable resources such as starch, chitosan, and other biodegradable materials. They are biodegradable and non-toxic, making them an attractive alternative to traditional plastics.

Q: What is starch porang?

A: Starch porang is a type of starch that is derived from the porang plant (Amorphophallus muelleri). It is a renewable resource that is rich in starch and is used as a raw material for bioplastics.

Q: What is plasticizer sorbitol?

A: Plasticizer sorbitol is a type of plasticizer that is used to improve the flexibility and processability of bioplastics. It is a sugar-based plasticizer that is derived from sorbitol.

Q: What are the benefits of using bioplastics made from starch porang with plasticizer sorbitol?

A: Bioplastics made from starch porang with plasticizer sorbitol have several benefits, including:

  • Biodegradability: They are biodegradable and can easily decompose in the environment.
  • Non-toxicity: They are non-toxic and do not harm the environment or human health.
  • Renewable resource: They are made from renewable resources such as starch porang.
  • Low carbon footprint: They have a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional plastics.

Q: What are the limitations of using bioplastics made from starch porang with plasticizer sorbitol?

A: Bioplastics made from starch porang with plasticizer sorbitol have several limitations, including:

  • High cost: They are more expensive compared to traditional plastics.
  • Limited availability: They are not widely available and may require special processing and manufacturing techniques.
  • Limited mechanical properties: They may have limited mechanical properties compared to traditional plastics.

Q: How do bioplastics made from starch porang with plasticizer sorbitol compare to traditional plastics?

A: Bioplastics made from starch porang with plasticizer sorbitol have several advantages over traditional plastics, including:

  • Biodegradability: They are biodegradable and can easily decompose in the environment.
  • Non-toxicity: They are non-toxic and do not harm the environment or human health.
  • Renewable resource: They are made from renewable resources such as starch porang.
  • Low carbon footprint: They have a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional plastics.

Q: What are the potential applications of bioplastics made from starch porang with plasticizer sorbitol?

A: Bioplastics made from starch porang with plasticizer sorbitol have several potential applications, including:

  • Packaging: They can be used for packaging food and other products.
  • Consumer goods: They can be used for making consumer goods such as bags, containers, and other products.
  • Medical devices: They can be used for making medical devices such as implants, surgical instruments, and other products.
  • Automotive: They can be used for making automotive parts such as dashboards, trim, and other components.

Q: How can bioplastics made from starch porang with plasticizer sorbitol be produced?

A: Bioplastics made from starch porang with plasticizer sorbitol can be produced using a variety of methods, including:

  • Extrusion: They can be produced using an extruder, which is a machine that melts and shapes the bioplastic.
  • Injection molding: They can be produced using an injection molding machine, which is a machine that injects molten bioplastic into a mold.
  • Casting: They can be produced using a casting machine, which is a machine that pours molten bioplastic into a mold.

Q: What are the future prospects of bioplastics made from starch porang with plasticizer sorbitol?

A: The future prospects of bioplastics made from starch porang with plasticizer sorbitol are promising, with several potential applications and benefits. They are expected to become more widely available and affordable in the future, and to be used in a variety of industries and applications.