DOI: https://doi.org/10.55373/mjchem.v27i5.182

Keywords: Biodegradable plastics; microcrystalline cellulose; Cassava peel

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of MCC from cassava peel (CP) on the characteristics of starch films, as well as to analyse the physical properties and composition of the filler in the developed biodegradable starch films. The characterisation techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, solubility and biodegradability tests, were used to study the film properties. The FTIR analysis indicates significant interactions and modifications within the starch matrix due to the incorporation of MCC. The solubility test revealed a decrease in water solubility as the quantity of MCC increased, with the minimum water solubility recorded at 13.37%. The biodegradability tests showed a distinct correlation between the filler content and the percentage of weight loss. As the CP-MCC content increased, the weight loss of the produced starch film rose from 10.05% to 17.53%. Our findings indicate that the MCC derived from CP has the potential to manufacture high-performance biodegradable films, hence contributing to environmental sustainability.