Manufacture and Characterization of Biodegradable Mulch Based on Epoxidized Natural Rubber

• Main Author: Hafsah Jauhari, Elaeis
• Format: Final Project
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/42383
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

The field of horticultural cultivation is included in the agricultural sector, which is one of Indonesia's main economic development sectors. One of the most important things that need to be considered in planting is to keep the plant to has enough nutrients and free from plant pests. One of which is by using mulch plastic. But unfortunately, the use of mulch plastic in Indonesia is still using materials that are non-biodegradable and produce non-biodegradable waste. To overcome this, other alternative materials that are biodegradable are needed and one of which is epoxidized natural rubber. In this research, biodegradable mulch made from epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) was made by the solution casting method. The ENR was blended with content of 5 percent (w/w) PEG 400 and then coagulated with content of 5 percent ethanol with a rotation speed of fan is 2,117.6 rpm. Subsequently, tensile testing, tear testing, soil burial testing, and testing in the actual environment are carried out. The results of this research show that biodegradable mulch was successfully made and has elongation, modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, and tearing force which are 537.61 percent, 0.29 MPa, 0.2 MPa, and 4.19 N respectively. This biodegradable mulch was able to postpone weed growth and undergoes biodegradation and photodegradation processes too. This research is expected to be useful for the community and helps solving environmental problems that are occurred.