Improving the tensile strength and elongation of biodegradable plastic packaging

Oct 13, 2025 by pinkandtrash.com 98 views

Making Plastic Packaging from Polypropylene Anhydrid Maleat with Oil Palm Sago Starch Fillers: A Sustainable Innovation

Introduction

The world is facing a significant environmental crisis due to the increasing amount of plastic waste. Plastic packaging is one of the main contributors to this problem, with millions of tons of plastic waste ending up in oceans and landfills every year. In an effort to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste, researchers have been exploring innovative ways to make plastic packaging more sustainable. One such innovation is the manufacture of plastic packaging from polypropylene anhydrid maleat with oil palm sago starch fillers. In this article, we will discuss the process of making this plastic packaging and its potential as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic packaging.

The Process of Making Plastic Packaging

The process of making plastic packaging from polypropylene anhydrid maleat with oil palm sago starch fillers begins with the reflux method. This involves mixing 1 gram of anhydrid maleate, 0.1 gram BPO, and 10 grams of polypropylene with xylene as a solvent. The mixture is then combined with a mixture of polypropylene that has been curled (PP-G-MA) using the cross clamp method at 170 ° C for 20 minutes. The PP-G-MA and PSBS composition variations are tested in several ratios: (99.5: 0.5), (99: 1), (98: 2), (97: 3), and (96: 4) (% w/w), as well as comparison with commercial tapioca with ratio (99.5: 0.5), (99: 1), and (98: 2) (% w/w).

Optimization of PP-G-MA and PSBS Composition

The results of the study showed that the PP-G-MA mixture with a ratio (97: 3) was the most optimal combination with tensile strength reaching 16,010 N/m² and elongation at 8,593%. Meanwhile, the ratio (98: 2) shows the tensile strength of 6,940 N/m² and elongation in breaking 3,1875%, which is not much different from the comparison value that has a tensile strength of 7,4346 N/m² and elongation of 3,847%. In accordance with the requirements of SNI 7188.7: 2011, this biodegradable packaging mixture contains thermoplastic and natural starch, and has a low elongation value below 5%, so it is feasible to be used as biodegradable plastic.

Chemical and Physical Interaction between Polypropylene and Anhydrid Maleat

The chemical and physical interaction between polypropylene and anhydrid maleat in the presence of PSBS is proven through FTIR testing. In wave number 1165.00 cm-1, there is a C-O function group that shows the bond between PP-G-MA and PSBS, while wave number 1103.28 cm-1 shows the fingerprint area for ether compounds formed from the interaction. In addition, wave number 1720.50 cm-1 indicates the presence of ketone compounds produced from side products interaction between PP-G-MA and PSBS. The results of the SEM test indicate the presence of a flat mixture surface.

Sustainability of Biodegradable Plastic

The sustainability of this plastic is also shown by a weight reduction of 48,7053% after 60 days of planting, as well as a decrease in transmittance in FTIR testing which shows the presence of several functional groups, which indicates the biodegradation process. This research is a significant step in environmentally friendly material innovation and shows the great potential of oil palm sago as raw material in the biodegradable plastic industry.

Conclusion

With this development, it is hoped that in the future the use of materials that are developed can increase, reduce the adverse effects of plastic waste on the environment, and support sustainability efforts in various industrial sectors. The manufacture of plastic packaging from polypropylene anhydrid maleat with oil palm sago starch fillers is a sustainable innovation that has the potential to reduce plastic waste and promote environmental sustainability.

Future Directions

The future of biodegradable plastic packaging is promising, and researchers are working to improve the properties of this material. Some potential areas of research include:

Improving the tensile strength and elongation of biodegradable plastic packaging
Developing new methods for producing biodegradable plastic packaging
Investigating the use of other natural starches as fillers in biodegradable plastic packaging
Evaluating the biodegradability of biodegradable plastic packaging in different environments

By continuing to research and develop biodegradable plastic packaging, we can reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste and promote sustainability in various industrial sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions about Making Plastic Packaging from Polypropylene Anhydrid Maleat with Oil Palm Sago Starch Fillers

Q: What is the main purpose of using oil palm sago starch as a filler in biodegradable plastic packaging?

A: The main purpose of using oil palm sago starch as a filler in biodegradable plastic packaging is to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste. Oil palm sago starch is a natural and biodegradable material that can replace traditional fillers used in plastic packaging, making it a more sustainable option.

Q: How does the process of making biodegradable plastic packaging from polypropylene anhydrid maleat with oil palm sago starch fillers work?

A: The process of making biodegradable plastic packaging from polypropylene anhydrid maleat with oil palm sago starch fillers involves a series of steps, including the reflux method, cross clamp method, and FTIR testing. The mixture of polypropylene anhydrid maleat and oil palm sago starch is combined and then tested for its tensile strength and elongation.

Q: What are the benefits of using biodegradable plastic packaging made from polypropylene anhydrid maleat with oil palm sago starch fillers?

A: The benefits of using biodegradable plastic packaging made from polypropylene anhydrid maleat with oil palm sago starch fillers include:

Reduced environmental impact: Biodegradable plastic packaging can reduce the amount of plastic waste in landfills and oceans.
Increased sustainability: Biodegradable plastic packaging can be made from natural and biodegradable materials, making it a more sustainable option.
Improved tensile strength and elongation: Biodegradable plastic packaging made from polypropylene anhydrid maleat with oil palm sago starch fillers has improved tensile strength and elongation compared to traditional plastic packaging.

Q: How does the biodegradability of biodegradable plastic packaging from polypropylene anhydrid maleat with oil palm sago starch fillers work?

A: The biodegradability of biodegradable plastic packaging from polypropylene anhydrid maleat with oil palm sago starch fillers is due to the presence of oil palm sago starch, which is a natural and biodegradable material. When exposed to microorganisms, the oil palm sago starch breaks down, allowing the biodegradable plastic packaging to decompose.

Q: Can biodegradable plastic packaging made from polypropylene anhydrid maleat with oil palm sago starch fillers be used in food packaging?

A: Yes, biodegradable plastic packaging made from polypropylene anhydrid maleat with oil palm sago starch fillers can be used in food packaging. The biodegradable plastic packaging is non-toxic and can be used to package food products.

Q: How can I obtain biodegradable plastic packaging made from polypropylene anhydrid maleat with oil palm sago starch fillers?

A: Biodegradable plastic packaging made from polypropylene anhydrid maleat with oil palm sago starch fillers can be obtained from various suppliers and manufacturers. You can also contact the researchers who developed the biodegradable plastic packaging for more information.

Q: What are the future directions for biodegradable plastic packaging made from polypropylene anhydrid maleat with oil palm sago starch fillers?

A: The future directions for biodegradable plastic packaging made from polypropylene anhydrid maleat with oil palm sago starch fillers include:

Improving the tensile strength and elongation of biodegradable plastic packaging
Developing new methods for producing biodegradable plastic packaging
Investigating the use of other natural starches as fillers in biodegradable plastic packaging
Evaluating the biodegradability of biodegradable plastic packaging in different environments

By continuing to research and develop biodegradable plastic packaging, we can reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste and promote sustainability in various industrial sectors.