Biodegradable Plastic Characteristics of Cassava Starch Modified in Variations Temperature and Drying Time

Abstract

This study aims to (1) know the effect of temperature and drying time on the characteristics of biodegradable plastic from cassava starch modified, (2) determine the temperature and drying time is right to produce biodegradable plastics from cassava starch modified with the best characteristics. This study uses a randomized block design with factorial experiment. The first factor is the temperature of the drying which consists of 5 levels that were 50 ° C, 55 ° C, 60 ° C, 65 ° C and 70 ° C. The second factor is the drying time consists of 3 levels, namely 5, 6 and 7 hours. Each combination of treatments grouped into two based on process making of biodegradable plastic, so there are 30 experimental units. Data were analyzed of variance and followed by Duncan test. The observed variables include mechanical and physical test consists of tensile strength, elongation at break, Young's modulus (elasticity), swelling of volume and degradation time. The results of the research showed that the temperature and drying time by using automatic cabinet dryer with an air flow 5 + 0.1 m³ / min, very significant effect on tensile strength, elongation at break, Young's modulus, percent swelling of volume and time of degradation biodegradable plastic of cassava starch modified. Temperature of 50 ° C with 5 hours drying by using automatic dryer cabinet with an air flow of 5 + 0.1 m3 / min,  had characteristics of  biodegradable plastics : tensile strength of 1057.40 M Pa, elongation at break of 15.95%, Young's modulus of 6629,47 M Pa, swelling of volume of 9.91% and degradation time of 7 days.

Keywords: biodegradable plastic, cassava starch modified, temperature and drying time