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Influence of kepok banana bunch as new cellulose source on thermal, mechanical, and biodegradability properties of Thai cassava starch/polyvinyl alcohol hybrid?based bioplastic

Bioplastics were developed to overcome environmental problems that are difficult to decompose in the environment. This study analyzes Thai cassava starch?based bioplastics' tensile strength, biodegradability, moisture absorption, and thermal stability. This study used Thai cassava starch and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as matrices, whereas Kepok banana bunch cellulose was employed as a filler. The ratios between starch and cellulose are 10:0 (S1), 9:1 (S2), 8:2 (S3), 7:3 (S4), and 6:4 (S5), while PVA was set constant. The tensile test showed the S4 sample's highest tensile strength of 6.26?MPa, a strain of 3.85%, and a modulus of elasticity of 166?MPa. After 15?days, the maximum soil degradation rate in the S1 sample was 27.9%. The lowest moisture absorption was found in the S5 sample at 8.43%. The highest thermal stability was observed in S4 (316.8°C). This result was significant in reducing the production of plastic waste for environmental remediation.

Publication date: 12/07/2023

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This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 870292.