Investigation on the presences of microcrystalline cellulose with different acid treatment on its mechanical and physical properties for sugarcane bagasse bioplastic / Mohamad Amirul Aqwa Mohd Nizam

Plastic, with its slow decomposition and environmental hazards, prompts a search for sustainable alternatives. Utilizing sugarcane bagasse and tapioca starch as alternatives shows promise. Modified starch-based bioplastics, reinforced with microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), address shortcomings in mechanical qualities. This study investigates the impact of MCC with acid treatment on starch-based bioplastic properties. Three SGB/MCC starch bioplastic films and three without MCC (control) were created using the casting method. The bioplastics with MCC demonstrated higher tensile strength, reaching 0.54 MPa, 0.08% elongation, and 7.14 MPa Young's modulus, indicating enhanced structural support. Moisture content decreased with increasing MCC concentration. FTIR spectra showed intermolecular interaction through C-H, C=C, C-O, and O-H groups. Solubility and biodegradability examinations confirmed the improved characteristics of starchbased bioplastics with MCC and acid treatment.