Morphology and Decomposing Ability of Composite Bioplastic Carrageenan In Water And Soil

Abstract

Bioplastic should have the capability to dissolve in water and decompose in soil. However, bioplastics sold in the market need time to release their natural ingredients in water and soil. While bioplastics were made by mixing organic and inorganic materials to enhance their durability, they also increase the difficulty of decomposing in soil and water. Composite Bioplastic from carrageenan, Poly Vinyl Alcohol, and adding TiO2 must be researched to ensure bioplastic and its composites are easily assimilated with microorganisms in water and soil. This research uses two characteristics of water (neutral water and alkali water) and two characteristics of soil (neutral soiland compost from leftovers) as a decomposing media. Afterward eight days of observation in decomposing media, it is found that bioplastic from carrageenan + PVA and carrageenan + TiO2 lost almost 100% decompose in mixed soil. In contrast, the marketable bioplastic only 20% lost its weight. The surface structures immersed in various solutions are not significantly different from the initial look. Both composite bioplastics from carrageenan and marketable bioplastic enhance its weight while soaking in distillate water for two hours. The most significant water absorption is composite bioplastic from carrageenan with Polyvinyl Alcohol. Composite bioplastic from Carrageenan was also partially soluble within 8 days of immersion, and the biggest percentage of solubility test was bioplastic with an acid solution.