Synthesis and Characterization of Starch-Based Bioplastics Derived from Cassava (Manihot esculenta) Peels and Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (Elaeis guineensis)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64229/wa7g9q43Keywords:
Agro-waste, Biodegradability, Cassava Peels, OPEFB, Valorization, Tensile StrengthAbstract
The pervasive environmental pollution from conventional plastics necessitates the development of sustainable alternatives. This study presents the synthesis and characterization of starch-based bioplastics using agro-waste feedstocks: starch extracted from cassava peels and cellulose derived from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB). Ten bioplastic variants were fabricated by varying the concentrations of cellulose (0-50% w/w) and glycerol (0-50% v/w as plasticizer), while maintaining a constant starch-to-water ratio (25g:100ml). The materials were characterized for their physico-mechanical and biodegradation properties. Results demonstrated that cellulose acts as a reinforcing agent, increasing tensile strength (from 3.7 MPa to 12.1 MPa) and Young's modulus (from 40 MPa to 240 MPa) while reducing water absorption (from 37.3% to 23.3%) and biodegradation (from 84.7% to 55.3% over 30 days). Conversely, glycerol enhanced flexibility and elongation at break but increased hydrophilicity and degradation rate. A strong positive correlation (R² = 0.89) was observed between water absorption and biodegradation, indicating that moisture content governs the degradation process. The findings confirm the viability of valorizing cassava peels and OPEFB into tunable bioplastics, offering a promising pathway for waste-to-wealth conversion and reducing plastic pollution.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Maduabuchi Valentine Ibe, Verla Evelyn Ngozi, Ogonnaya Chinemerem Cynthia, Verla Andrew Wirnkor (Author)
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