Harmiansyah, Narti Liana, Eka Nurfani, Lathifa Putri Afisna
The use of synthetic plastic can cause a buildup of plastic waste which is a problem for the environment because it is difficult to decompose. Therefore, a solution is needed to overcome this problem by developing bioplastics made from starch and Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA). Bioplastics from starch and PVA have weaknesses in their mechanical properties so reinforcement is needed in the form of cellulose which is extracted using the 5% NaOH alkalization method. This research aims to analyze the mechanical properties and biodegradation of bioplastics with variations in the addition of cellulose concentration. This research used kepok banana peel starch, PVA, and corn husk cellulose. Making bioplastics using 3?g of starch and PVA by adding variations of cellulose at a concentration of 0; 2; 4; and 6% of the weight of dry starch and 2?mL of glycerol plasticizer. Determination of the mechanical properties of bioplastics was carried out by testing tensile strength using a Universal Testing Machine based on ASTM D-882 standards. The best mechanical properties test results were found in bioplastics with the addition of a cellulose concentration of 6% with tensile strength values of 1.67 ± 0.12?MPa, strain of 35.75 ± 1.74%, and Young's Modulus of 4.5 ± 0. 15?MPa, while the largest percentage of degradation was found in bioplastics without the addition of cellulose, namely 29.27% on the 9th day. © 2025 Author(s).
Departement of Biosystem Engineering, Institut Teknologi Sumatera, South Lampung, 35365, Indonesia; Departement of Material Engineering, Institut Teknologi Sumatera, South Lampung, 35365, Indonesia; Departement of Mechanicall Engineering, Institut Teknologi Sumatera, South Lampung, 35365, Indonesia