Mechanical Properties of Biocomposite

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 71 views

Characteristics and Properties of Biocompocytes Pectin Orange Peel and Sago Starch Filled with Nanocrystal Cellulose (NCC) from Rattan Skin Using Plasticizer Glycerol

Introduction

The increasing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly materials has led to the development of biocomposites from natural sources. In this study, we investigate the characteristics and properties of biocomposites made from pectin extracted from orange peel waste and sago starch enriched with nanocrystal cellulose (NCC) obtained from rattan skin. The use of plasticizers in the form of glycerol is also optimized to improve the mechanical and thermal properties of the biocomposite. This study focuses on the effect of variations in NCC and glycerol concentration on the physical properties produced.

Materials and Methods

The NCC is specifically obtained through the hydrolysis process of rattan skin using sulfuric acid (H2SO4) in various concentrations, namely 50%, 55%, 60%, and 65%. Pektin is taken from orange peel waste as a natural source of pectin, while sago starch is used as the main source of starch. Casting methods are chosen to produce bioplastic and biocomposite. In this process, the NCC is added as a filler at a concentration of 1-4% (weight) and glycerol is added as a plasticizer with a concentration between 10-40% (weight).

Characterization of NCC

The results of the X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis show that the crystallinity index increases proportional to the H2SO4 concentration used. The addition of NCC affects the nature of the material, seen from the increase in bioplastic tensile strength. Analysis of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed that the NCC has a chemical structure similar to cellulose, showing the potential in increasing the mechanical properties of biocomposite.

The average size of the NCC produced is between 10 to 70 nm with a shape like a stem, confirmed through an analysis of the transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The type of pectin from orange peel obtained is included in the category of low metoxil pectin (low methoxyl pectin), which has implications for the nature and application of bioplastic.

Mechanical Properties of Biocomposite

Based on the results of the study, bioplastic made from sago starch shows a tensile strength of 1.61 MPa, while bioplastic based on orange peel has a lower tensile strength of 0.97 MPa. This result is supported by an analysis of Electron Microscopy (SEM) scanning that shows a more interrelated surface of the bioplastic of sago starch compared to pectin.

Other FTIR results show that along with the increase in NCC and glycerol composition, there is an increase in the absorption peaks that indicate a better interaction between biocomposite components. Further analysis shows the best value for the tensile strength and density of biocomposite reaches 11.18 MPa and 0.068 grams/cm³ on the addition of NCC by 2% and 30% glycerol.

Optimization of Biocomposite Properties

Optimum elongation when breaking up reaches 28.99% obtained at 1% NCC and 40% glycerol. In addition, the best value of the water absorption test and the water evaporation rate is achieved by the addition of NCC of 2% and 10% glycerol, with a value of 12.5% and 6.88% respectively. In terms of thermal resistance, biocomposites made from orange pektin and sago starch show a slightly better resistance compared to a single biocomposite.

Conclusion

Through this study, the use of natural ingredients such as orange peel and rattan skin for biocomposite forms shows great potential in creating environmentally friendly materials with reliable mechanical properties, offering alternatives to applications in the packaging industry and other biodegradable products.

Future Directions

The results of this study provide a foundation for further research on the development of biocomposites from natural sources. Future studies can focus on optimizing the production process, improving the mechanical properties, and exploring new applications for biocomposites.

References

[List of references cited in the study]

Appendix

[Additional data and information supporting the results of the study]

Abstract

This study investigates the characteristics and properties of biocomposites made from pectin extracted from orange peel waste and sago starch enriched with nanocrystal cellulose (NCC) obtained from rattan skin. The use of plasticizers in the form of glycerol is also optimized to improve the mechanical and thermal properties of the biocomposite. The results show that the addition of NCC and glycerol improves the mechanical properties of biocomposite, with the best value for the tensile strength and density reaching 11.18 MPa and 0.068 grams/cm³, respectively. The study provides a foundation for further research on the development of biocomposites from natural sources.
Q&A: Characteristics and Properties of Biocompocytes Pectin Orange Peel and Sago Starch Filled with Nanocrystal Cellulose (NCC) from Rattan Skin Using Plasticizer Glycerol

Q: What is the purpose of this study?

A: The purpose of this study is to investigate the characteristics and properties of biocomposites made from pectin extracted from orange peel waste and sago starch enriched with nanocrystal cellulose (NCC) obtained from rattan skin. The use of plasticizers in the form of glycerol is also optimized to improve the mechanical and thermal properties of the biocomposite.

Q: What are the main sources of pectin and starch used in this study?

A: The main sources of pectin and starch used in this study are orange peel waste and sago starch, respectively.

Q: How is the NCC obtained from rattan skin?

A: The NCC is obtained through the hydrolysis process of rattan skin using sulfuric acid (H2SO4) in various concentrations, namely 50%, 55%, 60%, and 65%.

Q: What is the effect of NCC on the mechanical properties of biocomposite?

A: The addition of NCC affects the nature of the material, seen from the increase in bioplastic tensile strength. Analysis of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed that the NCC has a chemical structure similar to cellulose, showing the potential in increasing the mechanical properties of biocomposite.

Q: What is the effect of glycerol on the mechanical properties of biocomposite?

A: The addition of glycerol improves the mechanical properties of biocomposite, with the best value for the tensile strength and density reaching 11.18 MPa and 0.068 grams/cm³, respectively.

Q: What is the best value for the tensile strength and density of biocomposite?

A: The best value for the tensile strength and density of biocomposite reaches 11.18 MPa and 0.068 grams/cm³, respectively, on the addition of NCC by 2% and 30% glycerol.

Q: What is the effect of NCC and glycerol on the water absorption test and the water evaporation rate?

A: The best value of the water absorption test and the water evaporation rate is achieved by the addition of NCC of 2% and 10% glycerol, with a value of 12.5% and 6.88% respectively.

Q: What is the thermal resistance of biocomposites made from orange pektin and sago starch?

A: Biocomposites made from orange pektin and sago starch show a slightly better resistance compared to a single biocomposite.

Q: What are the potential applications of biocomposites made from natural sources?

A: Biocomposites made from natural sources have great potential in creating environmentally friendly materials with reliable mechanical properties, offering alternatives to applications in the packaging industry and other biodegradable products.

Q: What are the future directions for this study?

A: The results of this study provide a foundation for further research on the development of biocomposites from natural sources. Future studies can focus on optimizing the production process, improving the mechanical properties, and exploring new applications for biocomposites.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study include the use of a limited number of samples and the lack of control over the production process. Future studies can address these limitations by increasing the number of samples and optimizing the production process.

Q: What are the implications of this study for the development of biocomposites from natural sources?

A: The results of this study provide a foundation for the development of biocomposites from natural sources, offering alternatives to traditional materials and reducing the environmental impact of production processes.