Exploring the Cellulose Content on the Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Banana Peel Blend Tapioca Starch Bioplastic

Petrochemical polymers are convenient but harmful to humans and the environment. In response to growing environmental concerns over petroleum-based polymers, this study developed a biodegradable plastic made from tapioca and banana peel starch. Tapioca flour, banana peel starch, and 3g, 6g, and 9g of cellulose were used via solvent cast technique to fabricate bioplastic films. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy shows strong peaks at 3400-3200 cm-1, corresponding to OH bond stretching vibrations for all obtained films. The bioplastics film displayed good performance in tensile testing when 6g of cellulose was used as compared to other formulations. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that adding cellulose enhanced the thermal properties where the temperature of 139.0394 ℃ (T20) and 140.16 ℃ (T50) shifted to a higher temperature when 9g cellulose was incorporated with the blend matrix. Interesting to note that 3g of cellulose absorbs the most water however 9g loses the least weight. This phenomenon is due to an increase in the cellulose-hydroxyl hydrogen bonding. On the other hand, the modified films are insoluble in acetic acid, moderately soluble in ammonia, and entirely soluble in sulphuric acid for solubility behaviour analysis. The banana peel starch blend and tapioca powder film modified with cellulose bioplastics have the potential to be applied ideally for food packaging.