The Use of Sodium Alginate with Starch to Make Biodegradable Sachet and Wrap Products as an Alternative Substitute of Plastic

Abstract

Biodegradable plastic can be an alternative to reduce conventional plastics which is an environmental problem because it is easy to decompose. This research aims to obtain formulas and produce of wraps and sachets from biodegradable products made from sodium alginate and to know the comparison of their quality with conventional plastics. There was five formula, the first and fifth used sodium alginate, the second until the fourth used sodium alginate mixed with cassava, corn or glutinous starch. These formulas produced thin, transparent, clear to slightly yellowish bioplastics sheets which were then made sachets and wraps. These bioplastics had a tensile strength value of 0.006-0.028 MPa, elongation of 4-55%, the thickness of 0,07-0,12 mm, and water absorption of 53-63,36%. The antioxidant tests showed that bioplastics require the addition of antioxidants and cannot yet encase water-containing or hygroscopic materials. The Biodegradability tests showed that bioplastics would decompose within 1-10 day when exposed to water, or within 30 days in moist soil or sand.