Journal of Mechanical Engineering Department

Politeknik Kuching Sarawak

ISSN No: 0126-9313 Volume 1, Issue 1, 2017

BIODEGRADABLE PLASTICS FROM SAGO STARCH

Zur Ain Mohd Zawawi1, NorHelmi Fittri Akam2, Darrel Dose3, Alyssa Syauwye4, Rizal Aziz Ahmad5,
Zamri Yusoff6
1
ainniaruz@poliku.edu.my, 2prencong93@gmail.com, 3darreldose@gmail.com,
4
alyssasyauwye23@gmail.com, 5rizalazizahmad@yahoo.com, 6irmazai07@yahoo.com.my
1,2,3,4,5,6
Petrochemical Engineering Department
Politeknik Kuching sarawak
Kuching, Sarawak.

ABSTRACT
Biomaterial based plastic is a promising material for solving various environmental issues. Therefore, this
work covers on the experimentation of producing biodegradable plastics from sago starch(BDPSS). New
finding were obtained on the bio-degradability, mechanical properties and resistance factor of sago. Sago
starch is a raw material that obtained from the Sago palm (metroxylonspp) that mostly planted in Mukah
district, Sarawak. The main objective of this research is to replace the chemical used in plastic with a raw
material like sago starch that is less dangerous to the environment and human, also that is easily to be
decompose. To prove this plastics is really biodegradable plastic, degradability test were conducted. The
results are obtained using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR).The sago starch based biodegradable
plastics were analyse based on the present of alkane and alkyne. First the result after 3 days, after 3 days
the present of alkane and alkyne are decreasing. Second the result after 14 days, the alkane completely
vanished in the biodegradable plastic after 14 days due to the decomposition. While alkane and alkyne
composition has reduce dramatically. The result of 14 days was pretty similar just that decomposition
happen more in the plastic. Next is compression test, the test show BDPSS has compression strength until
2.6 MPa. This biodegradable plastics is easy to decompose and it is safe for the environment and human
health.

Index Terms— Sago starch, Glycerol, Acetic Acid, Biodegradable, Decomposed

1. INTRODUCTION
In recent years, biomaterial based on plastic is a promising material for environment pollution due
to high impact of plastic waste. To replace the commodity synthetic polymers with biodegradable
polymers is one possible solutions. Petrova and Garner (2014) claim that the two most influential
commercial biodegradable (and bio-based) polymers were Poly-Lactic Acid (PLA) and starch-
based polymers, accounting respectively for about 47% and 41%, of total biodegradable polymer
consumption [1]. Whereas, Ying et al. (2014) suggest another example is microbial Poly-Hydroxy
Alkanoates (PHA) which, for the past many years, have been developed as biodegradable plastics
[2]. Chen and Patel (2012) stated that PHA has been marketed as environmentally friendly bio-
plastics with less CO2 emissions and sustainability as well as independence from petroleum
sources [3]. Moreover, Viviana et al. (2014) were conducting studies on industrial applications
[4]. In recent years, Davis and Song (2006) stated that the development of biodegradable
packaging materials from renewable natural resources (e.g. crops) had received increasing
attention, particularly in EU countries[5], whereas, several researchers found that the use of
renewable resources has been revitalized [6, 7, 8]. Davis and Song (2006) suggested that if
properly managed, this would reduce the environmental impact upon disposal [5] and, according
to Tanaka et al. (2008) claimed that it would be technically and economically practicable [9].

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Journal of Mechanical Engineering Department
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ISSN No: 0126-9313 Volume 1, Issue 1, 2017
Lee, J and McCarthy (2009) found that Petrochemical-based plastic products in a landfill had led
to serious environmental concerns over the past decade [10]. Nurul Syuhada Mohd Makhtar et al.
(2003) stated that a sustainable alternative which was biodegradable plastics have been developed
to replace commodity thermoplastics [11]. Biodegradable plastics or bio-plastics are capable of
biodegradation in certain controlled environments. Tabi and Kovacs (2007) stated that bioplastic
contains polymers from renewable resources, like thermoplastic starch (TPS) or poly-lactic-acid
(PLA) [12] whereas, Janssen and Moscicki (2006) stated that TPS, consisting of starch and
plasticizer, has become an interesting and economically attractive alternative for traditional
plastics [13].

Liu et al. (2009) found that water is used in the thermal processing of starch–based polymer.
However, using water alone is not preferable as a result of the TPS will have poor mechanical
properties [14]. Whereas, Dai et al. (2009) claimed that a variety of plasticizers to improve the
processing properties and product performance of TPS have been evaluated. In most literature for
TPS, plasticizers that are usually being used in promoting the plasticization of starch are glycerol,
glycol, xylitol, sorbitol, sugars, and amides, such as urea, formamide and ethylenebisformamide
[15]. Moreover, Yang et al. (2006) found that during the thermoplastic process, plasticizers play
an indispensable role, because the plasticizers could form the hydrogen bonds with starch, take
the place of the strong interaction between intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonds in starch,
and make starch display the plasticization [18].

In another research did by Wypich (2004), the components like monoglyceride and triglyceride
present in crude palm oil being the most suitable use as a plasticizer [17]. In addition, palm oil
contains of 40% oleic acid (monounsaturated fatty acid), 10% linoleic acid (polyunsaturated fatty
acid), 45% palmitic acid and 5% stearic acid. Fabunmi et al. (2004) had reviewed previous paper
on developing biodegradable plastics from starch and it was found that most of the work done is
on cereal and root or tuber crops [18].

Sago palm (also known as Metroxylonspp) is plant that commonly found in Mukah district,
Sarawak. The biodegradable plastic from sago starch is an eco-friendly product. This is because
we are reducing the chemical component in the mixture by replacing sago starch that did not
contain any harmful chemical or reaction when is it mixed with the other biodegradable
component. Sago starch is a natural raw material, thus it is not harmful. Sago starch contains
amylose, which can easily bond with other chemical compound. Sago starch gelatinization at 70
°C when heated.

Morrison and Karkalas (1990) reported that the starch is the most widely produced carbohydrate
by plants and is the major reserve polysaccharides of green plants [19]. Starch granules
synthesized in amyloplasts and is deposited in the form of tiny granules in the major depots of
seeds, tubers and roots. It is source of energy and carbon for the developing plant, and it is the
principal food of many animals, including man. Recently, Manimaran et. al.(2016) attempted to
produce of biodegradable plastic from banana peel. The film were prepared successfully by the
mixing and casing method. They found that the films produced from banana peels had potential
application to be used as food packaging because it can enhance the food quality and the same
time cam protect the environment (20).

Used plastic often been dumped to the sewage or rivers without being treated. This can cause
harm to fish and aquatics life. This bio - plastic is using 100% extracted Sago starch which can
cut the cost since Sago can be easily found in Sarawak (where Sarawak is the main producer of
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Journal of Mechanical Engineering Department
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ISSN No: 0126-9313 Volume 1, Issue 1, 2017
Sago plant in the world).The bio-plastic is eco-friendly and can help to reduce the environment
pollutant.

The aims of this research are to produce a plastic product that uses 100% from raw material and
help to reduce the environmental pollutant. Specifically, to develop the biodegradable plastic
from sago starch (BDPSS) and study the properties such as bio-degradability, mechanical
properties and resistance factor in order to produce a good quality of biodegradable plastic
products that are eco-friendly.

2. METHODOLOGY
Extraction of Sago Starch
1 Kg of bulk sago were weighed. Blend the sago by using blender with addition of 500ml water
until it become smooth. As shown in Figure 1, sago contain 25% of water that need to be filtered
using filter. Next, sago starch that contain water need to be heated at 100 0C in the oven and its
take around 1 day (24 hours) to get dry.

Procedures of FTIR test

FTIR is used to focus on the structure of sago starch. Spectroscopy measurements were measured
by using a SHIMADZU FTIR with ABr discs instrument. The peaks, as given in the chart,
indicate the function groups present in the amylase sample.

Procedures of Acidity test

Samples (5 g) of the produced amylose were weighed precisely and, then, placed into sulfuric
acid with concentrations of 10%, 20% and 30%. The samples were dried and weighed
periodically for 3 days in order to determine the percentage of weight loss after each period.

Procedures of Alkali test

Samples (5 g) of the produced amylase were weighed precisely and, then, placed into alkali
solution (sodium hydroxide) with different concentrations of (10%, 20% and 30%). The
percentage weight loss was calculated daily for a duration of 4 days.

Figure 1: the filtration of sago starch

Production of Sago Starch based Biodegradable Plastic

The amount of sago starch of 10g were weighed. Mix the sago starch with water(50 ml) in beaker
and heat it using hot plate about 70 degree Celsius. Stir the solution of sago starch and then add
glycerine (5 ml) and acetic acid (5 ml) while stirring. Stir the solution until it become colourless

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ISSN No: 0126-9313 Volume 1, Issue 1, 2017
and springy. It takes about 15 minutes to stir the solution. Put the solution in petri dish and dry it
in a room temperature for 3 to 4 days.

Figure 2.1: biodegradable plastic from sago starch(BDPSS)

3. RESULT AND DISCUSSION

3.1 FTIR Test

Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) used to analyse the functional group exist in formulated
samples after degradability test as shown Figure 3.0, 3.1, and 3.2. In Figure 3.0 shows the typical
peak with the broad band at about 3284.77 cm-1 is alkynes (terminal) group - C ≡ C-H: C-H
stream. The peak at 2931.80 cm-1 shows the present of alkanes group C-H stretch and the typical
peak with the broad band at about 1645.28 cm-1 in all spectra correspond to the –C= C-.

Figure 3.1 shows the result after 3 days. The present of water in the soil will be absorb by the
sago starch based biodegradable plastic due the different concentration of water between soil and
plastic. This courses the bond of the plastic to break down. Glycerol is used to strengthen the
plastic since it has plasticizer which promoted to improve the chemical bond of the plastic. Thus,
the plastic degrade slowly. Saturated starch can improve the strength when compressed since it’s
become denser. This leads to higher tensile starch of the plastic.

Figure 3.2 show the result after 14 days. The alkane completely vanish in the biodegradable
plastic after 14 days due to the decomposition. While alkane and alkyne composition has reduce
dramatically. The result of 14 days was pretty similar just that decomposition happen more in the
plastic.

Figure 3.3 shows the bulk density versus different content of starch in BDPSS. Based on the
graph it reveals that the increase of starch content will increase the density. The optimum point of
this starch is 10g and after 10g the density will start to decrease this is due to the lake of other
component such as glycerol, acetic acid and water.

Figure 3.0: FTIR test for day 1

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Journal of Mechanical Engineering Department
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ISSN No: 0126-9313 Volume 1, Issue 1, 2017

Figure 3.1: FTIR result for day 3

Figure 3.2: FTIR result for 14 days

Figure 3.3: Density Test

Figure 3.4 shows the result from compression test load versus elongation .it revile that the yield
load is 60.2N .That means BDPSS can applied load until 60.2 N before its change after that.

Figure 3.5 shows the result based on compression test. It reveals that the yield compression
strength 2.6MPa and the Young Modulus is 0.018 GPa. That means BDPSS has compression
strength until 2.6 MPa.

As illustrated in Figure 3.6 the weight loss of amylase, produced either from sago starch,
increased as the concentration of NaOH increased and, also, it was increased over time. A
maximum weight loss of 74% & 72% was noticed for amylase from sago starch after 3 days
treatment. It is clear from the results that the resistance of amylase, produced either from sago
starch to alkalis, is nearly the same; however, amylase produced from both residues had a poor
alkalis resistance when compared to commercial amylase which have a good resistance factor
(=3) for strong alkalis (Granta Design Limited, 2014). However, the poor alkali resistance was
due to the presence of hydrolysable ester bonds in the structure of acetate.

Figure 3.7 shows the results from the effects of different concentrations of sulfuric acid at on
amylase. The weight loss of amylase, produced from sago starch, had been increased by
increasing the concentration of sulfuric acid from 10% to 20% and, then, the weight loss of
amylase reduced at 30% sulfuric acid concentration. These results amylase be explained by the

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ISSN No: 0126-9313 Volume 1, Issue 1, 2017
fact that, by increasing acid concentration from 10% to 30%, the acid content increased and,
hence, the weight loss increased. In general, amylase produce from both residues had a very good
acid resistance; this was slightly higher than the environmental resistance factor of the
commercial amylase for strong acid (=3) which meant good resistance (Granta Design Limited,
2014).

Figure 3.8 shows that the result for degradation test. It can be broken down by metabolism by
organism. When a plastic biodegradable it can be digested so that the carbon atom in the chains of
the polymer are broken and can participate in the creation of other organic molecules. They can
be processed by and become part of organic living things. This returns them to nature. They
become part of the carbon cycle of the ecology of the earth.

The sago starch based biodegradable plastic is degradable because FTIR test shows that after 14
days the major chemical inside the sago starch based biodegradable plastic is disappear. Secondly
is mechanical test from the mechanical compression test load versus elongation it reveal that the
yield load is 60.2N .That means sago starch based biodegradable plastic can applied load until
60.2N. Lastly, the acidity test amylase produce from both residues had a very good acid
resistance; this was slightly higher than the environmental resistance factor of the commercial
amylase for strong acid (=3) which meant good resistance. From the alkali test amylase produced
from both residues had a poor alkalis resistance when compared to commercial amylase which
have a good resistance factor (=3) for strong alkalis.

Figure 3.4: Compression Test

Figure 3.5: Compression strength versus Strain

Figure 3.6: Alkali Test

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Journal of Mechanical Engineering Department
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ISSN No: 0126-9313 Volume 1, Issue 1, 2017

Figure 3.7: Acidity Test

Figure 3.8: Degradation Test

4. CONCLUSION
The biodegradable plastic from sago starch is successfully developed. This biodegradable plastic
is very environmental friendly based on FTIR result. In conclusion:
(a) The sago starch based biodegradable plastic is degradable because FTIR test shows that after
14 days the major chemical inside the sago starch based biodegradable plastic is disappear.
(b)The mechanical compression test load versus elongation it reveal that the yield load is 60.2N.
That means sago starch based biodegradable plastic can applied load until 60.2N.
(c) Lastly, the sago starch based biodegradable plastic have good acid resistance but poor alkalis
resistance.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
In particular, we wish to express our sincere appreciation to our thesis supervisor, Miss Zur Ain
Binti Mohd Nawawi, and En. Azmi bin Ahmad for encouragement, guidance, critics and
insightful comment. Also to Dr. Hj. Zamri bin Yusoff that always gives us support and guidance.
Lastly to Dr. Nurlyeyna binti Yunus from Craun Research, especially because they provide us
facility and raw material for our project and without them continued support and interest, this
project would not have been the same as presented here.

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