Fabrication and Characterization of Environmentally Friendly Bioplastic Film Based on Chitosan from Cassava Peel Starch

Muhammad Fahmi Reza; Akhmad Irfan; M Furqon Hakim; Kristya Hadi Wicaksono; Vishal R. Panse; Alok Shukla

doi:10.58524/ijhes.v4i3.791

Authors

Muhammad Fahmi Reza Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universitas Sains Al Qur’an
Akhmad Irfan Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universitas Sains Al Qur’an
M Furqon Hakim Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universitas Sains Al Qur’an
Kristya Hadi Wicaksono Departement of Biosystems Engineering, Institut Teknologi Sumatera http://orcid.org/0009-0003-1150-6904
Vishal R. Panse Late.B.S.ArtsProf.N.G.Science & A.G.Commerce, College Sakharkherda http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3683-466X
Alok Shukla Department of Physics, National institute of Technology Mizora

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58524/ijhes.v4i3.791

Keywords:

biodegradable bioplastics, chitosan, cassava peel starch, sustainable packaging, solution casting method, environmental waste valorization

Abstract

Bioplastics are renewable materials capable of natural degradation and can be synthesized using bio-organic compounds such as cellulose, chitosan, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and glycerol. Cassava peels, an agricultural byproduct, are a rich source of starch and cellulose, making them a promising raw material for bioplastic production. This study aims to fabricate and characterize chitosan-based bioplastic films using cassava peel starch, with a focus on optimizing their mechanical and biodegradation properties. Bioplastic films were prepared by combining cassava peel starch, chitosan, CMC, and glycerol, with chitosan concentrations varied at 45% and 75%. The films were evaluated for surface morphology using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), tensile strength, elongation at break, water absorption capacity, and biodegradability. SEM analysis revealed that chitosan concentration significantly influenced the film morphology, which in turn affected mechanical and swelling properties. The highest tensile strength (0.07 MPa) and elongation (22.5%) were observed in films with 75% chitosan. Water absorption peaked at 93.32% for the same formulation. Biodegradability tests showed complete degradation (100%) within 12 days for films with 45% chitosan. These findings demonstrate that cassava peel starch combined with chitosan can produce biodegradable films with tunable properties, offering a sustainable alternative for packaging and other applications.

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