Gold in Agricultural Waste: Sugarcane (S. officinarum L.) Bagasse Cellulose as a Component for Starch-based Bioplastic

• Main Authors: Violante, Ellyza Marie C., Alvarez, Mayleen A.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2024
• Subjects: bioplastic; Saccharum officinarum; bagasse; cellulose; plasticizer
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_shsrescon/2024/paper_see/4; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/context/conf_shsrescon/article/2381/viewcontent/PP_SEE_Violante_Alvarez___Ellyza.docx.pdf
• Institution: De La Salle University

Hailing as the largest crop by volume of production in the Philippines, sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) is consequently one of the nation’s topmost sources of agricultural residue. Unfortunately, the recovery efforts to employ sugarcane bagasse (SCB) as a biofuel were nullified due to the costliness of the proposition. Hence, sugar mill subsidiaries persisted with the improper aquatic disposal of SCB in Batangas. In response to this, the researchers harnessed the high cellulose content of this biomass in a bioplastic film, with the objective of establishing a research ground for SCB recycling, whilst promoting the relentless pursuit of sustainable communities. This study centers on determining the optimum concentration ratio of SCB cellulose to different plasticizers, with potato starch as the matrix. The methodology encompassed a series of steps for the (1) preparation & extraction of SCB cellulose, (2) formulation of bioplastic films through thermal and mechanical treatments, and (3) evaluation of properties based on standards set by SNI and ASTM International. Upon meticulous experimentation, samples crafted with glycerol exhibited superior plasticity in comparison to samples with okra mucilage. Additionally, optimal mechanical properties were observed at a starch-cellulose concentration ratio of 7:3, denoting structural stability. Ultimately, the findings highlight the significance of a balance between appropriate bioplastic components to achieve performance benchmarks.