PRODUCTION OF BIODEGRADABLE PLASTICS FROM SWEET POTATO SKINS WITH THE ADDITION OF CHITOSAN

• Main Authors: Amni, C. (Author), Ellysa (Author), Ismet (Author), Purwantiningsih (Author), Saprudin, D. (Author)
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Rasayan Journal of Chemistry, c/o Dr. Pratima Sharma 2021
• Subjects: Biodegradable; Packaging; Plastics; Sweet Potato
• Online Access: View Fulltext in Publisher

 Plastics are becoming more popular among the general public. Plastics are commonly used for packaging, which helps to keep products in good physical condition while also increasing their commercial value. The majority of plastic is made from materials that are difficult to decompose. A degradation process has a long phase. Over time, plastic waste has accumulated, causing air pollution in the surrounding areas. Plastic waste problems inspire many researchers to develop plastics that are more easily degraded and safe for the environment. This type of plastic is more commonly referred to as biodegradable plastic. The purpose of this study was to compare the composition of chitosan with the addition of glycerol as a plasticizer into sweet potato skins with starch concentrations of 1, 3, and 6 mL. This study creates biodegradable plastic with thin, transparent, and versatile sheets as fine as a bright, faintly yellowish color. Tensile strength ranged from 2.3 to 4 kg f/mm2 and elongation from 2.1 to 4.8 percent. The density of biodegradable plastics ranged from 2.9 to 5.1 percent. SEM microstructure measurements revealed that the particles were tightly bound to each other, resulting in low absorbed water. © 2021, Rasayan Journal of Chemistry, c/o Dr. Pratima Sharma. All rights reserved.