Effect of Plasticizers (Glycerol and Sorbitol) on Banana Peels Starch Films

Er, Suki Shu Qi (2020) Effect of Plasticizers (Glycerol and Sorbitol) on Banana Peels Starch Films. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University College.

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Abstract

In this project study, the main objectives are to synthesize biodegradable plastic from banana peels and to investigate the physical properties of banana peels bioplastic. Pure banana peels starch films (BP films) were prepared as a control. Besides, banana peels starch/plasticizer blend films (BP – G blend films and BP – S blend films) were prepared with different concentrations of glycerol and sorbitol (15%, 20%, 25%, and 30%) respectively. The bioplastics produced were characterized using tensile testing, Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, water absorption testing, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis, and biodegradability testing. For tensile testing, the higher the concentration of plasticizers, the lower the TS value, and the higher the EAB value of the film. Besides, during FT-IR analysis, the wavenumber of O-H stretching peak was shifted to the higher frequency when the concentration of plasticizer increased, however, at higher plasticizer concentration of 30%, the wavenumber slightly decreased due to a slight anti-plasticizing effect. For water absorption testing, the higher the concentration of plasticizers, the higher the water uptake of the film. Furthermore, in DSC analysis, there was an insignificant effect at the plasticizer concentration of 20% and 25%. They showed an increase in Tm and melting value. Lastly, for biodegradability testing, the higher the concentration of plasticizers, the greater the significant reduction in weight loss, the greater the biodegradation of the film. Overall, among the concentration of plasticizers (0%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30%), banana peels starch films plasticized with 30% concentration of plasticizers (glycerol or sorbitol) were the most recommended. From the results, it was shown that BP – G blend film performed better than BP – S blend film. This might be due to the smaller particle size of glycerol.