Psycho-Mechanic Characteristics of Bioplastic Composite from Glutinous Rice Flour Reinforced with Bamboo Leaf Powder Uma Fadzilia Arifin (a*), Nais Pinta Adetya (b), Wisnu Pambudi (a)
a) Departement of Plastics and Rubber Processing Technology, Politeknik ATK Yogyakarta
*umafadzilia[at]gmail.com
b) Departement of Leather Processing Technolog,y Politeknik ATK Yogyakarta
Abstract
Plastic offers a variety of superior properties. Hence, they are widely used in various aspects of life. However, several plastics are not easy to recycle and be decomposed by the activities of organisms. They contribute negative impact on the environment and human health. Bioplastic can be alternative solution as biodegradable and safe plastics for health. The aim of this study was to evaluate psycho-mechanic characteristics of bioplastic composite glutinous rice flour reinforced bamboo leaf powder by considering the best composition. The glutinous rice flour containing high amylopectin acts as a matrix in bioplastic production. While bamboo leaf powder is a source of bio-silica used as filler. In this research, bioplastic synthesis process was carried out with the variations of bamboo leaf powder on glutinous rice flour were 0, 1, 3, 5 and 7 % (w/w), respectively. Results showed that the best bioplastic composition was 5% (w/w) bamboo leaf powder addition on glutinous rice flour. As the conclusion, addition of bamboo leaf powder to reinforce bioplastic composite of glutinous rice flour was able to enhance the thickness, hardness and tensile strength significantly. Meanwhile, the value of density, elongation, and water vapor transmission rate showed a slight increase.
