Biodegradable Composite Berbasis Polylactic Acid dan Pati Singkong : Studi Kekuatan Tarik, Struktur Mikro Dan Densitas-Porositas

Abstract

The use of synthetic plastics that are difficult to degrade and not environmentally friendly has become a serious problem affecting the environment. One proposed solution is the utilization of biocomposites, which are easily degradable, renewable, and more cost-effective as an alternative to synthetic plastics. Polylactic Acid (PLA) is a type of bioplastic made from vegetable oil and plant starch, possessing the characteristic of easy degradation in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions within six months to five years. The development of biocomposites using natural fibers such as cassava starch has been chosen to produce environmentally friendly products at a lower production cost. Cassava starch, obtained from cassava tuber processing, contains a high level of amylopectin but lower than glutinous rice (amylopectin 83% and amylose 17%). In this study, the influence of adding cassava starch to PLA on the tensile strength, morphology, and density-porosity of the biocomposite was examined. The research results indicate that the addition of cassava starch affects the tensile strength of the biocomposite, with the highest value obtained at a 45% starch mass variation and the lowest at a 65% starch mass variation. Morphological observations reveal that the 45% starch variation produces the best bonding, while the 65% starch variation yields the weakest bonding. In terms of density-porosity testing, the highest value is found in the 65% starch variation, while the lowest is observed in the 45% starch variation. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the use of cassava starch in PLA can produce environmentally friendly and cost-effective biocomposites. However, careful consideration of the proportion of cassava starch addition is necessary to achieve desired properties in the biocomposite,