Synthesis and Physical Characterization of Bioplastics Based on Jicama Starch (Pachyrhizur Erosus) - Chitosan

Abstract

The development of plastics that can be easily degraded is needed to reduce the impact of plastic use on the environment. This study aimed to utilize the starch present in jicama to be used as the main material for making plastic. In order to overcome the drawback of starch which is less flexible, materials such as chitosan and glycerol were used. The stages of this research consisted of extracting starch from jicama, making bioplastics by mixing yam starch with chitosan and glycerol in varying amounts, as well as analysis and characterization in the form of tensile strength tests, elongation measurements, hydrophobic properties measurements, and degradation tests. The results of the study showed that by varying the amount of glycerol and chitosan, the bioplastic degradation ability obtained could be optimized.