Synthesis and Characterization of Gambas (Luffa acutangula) Peel–Based Bioplastic Reinforced by Silica

Abstract

Gambas (Luffa acutangula) plants contain a relatively high carbohydrate of 68.2%, whereas its peel contains 38.94% of carbohydrates and 20.6% of fibers. Gambas peels are rarely utilized and are typically discarded as food waste. Silica can be used as a filler and reinforcement material to improve the physical and mechanical properties. This study discussed synthesizing and characterizing bioplastics from Gambas peel reinforced by silica using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a plasticizer with a mass of 8 g and 9 g and vinegar as a compatibilizer with volumes of 7 mL and 8 mL. The gelatinization temperature was adjusted at 85°C and 95°C. The synthesized bioplastics have improved mechanical characteristics due to the addition of PVA. The addition of vinegar as a compatibilizer revealed a homogenous mixture in surface morphological analysis. The highest performance of bioplastic samples was obtained from sample 7 with 8 mL vinegar, 9 g of PVA, and at 85°C of gelatinization temperature. The results showed that the maximum tensile strength reached 0.034 N/mm2, the elongation was 225%, the value of Young’s modulus was 0.015 N/mm2, the thermal stability reached 74.34% weight loss by heating up to 400°C, and the melting temperature reached at 220°C, the absorption of water was 37.61%, and the weight loss was 20.3% after ten days of soil burial.

Study on Varied Bagasse Fiber and Epoxy Resin Compositions with Rice Bran Filler to Biocomposite Characteristics

“…Many previous studies have explored the production of natural-based composites using various methods. These biocomposites are noted for their eco-friendliness, potential availability, and low production costs [25], [26].…”