Biodegradable plastics are plastics that will be decompose by nature with the help of microorganisms. Biodegradation of plastics can be achieved by enabling microorganisms in the environment to metabolize the molecular structure of plastic films. Biodegradable plastics are usually produced in two forms: solid / 3D and in the film. We know that the most waste is the type of plastic waste. Plastic is a type of waste that can not be parsed or non-degradable. According to Environmental Office records, the average person produces 0.8 kg of garbage and 15% of the type of plastic waste every day. It would be nice if 15% of all non-degradable plastic garbage types can switch to crumbly or degradable plastic types in an attempt to reduce the environmental pollution of plastics and the effects of global warming.
In this research study on the manufacture of bioplastics, a mixture of starch and chitosan, and glycerol as a plasticizer to do variations on chitosan and glycerol. The results obtained in the form of a thin sheet of plastic (plastic film) which has been tested mechanical properties to obtain optimum variables data composition of the chitosan 2% and the addition of glycerol 3 ml with a value of Young’s Modulus 494925.675 ( psi), elongation 1.27 (%), and Tensile Strength 6269,059 (psi). Test water resistance / swelling by 66%, as well as by microbial biodegradation test (EM4) for 10 days.
Keywords: Biodegradable Plastic, leather cassava starch, chitosan, and glycerol
By I Gede Sanjaya M.H and Tyas Puspita
Department of Chemical Engineering FTI-ITS Surabaya
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