| dc.description.abstract | This study aims to analyze the effect of chitosan variation on the mechanical and
physical properties of starch-based bioplastics derived from rubber seeds (Hevea
brasiliensis). Bioplastics were prepared using the solvent casting method with a fixed
composition of rubber seed starch (4 g) and glycerol (0.6 ml), while chitosan was varied
at 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 g. The tested parameters included tensile strength, water
absorption, functional group analysis using FTIR, and surface morphology using SEM.
The results showed that chitosan addition significantly improved tensile strength, with
the optimum value of 6 MPa achieved at 8 g of chitosan. Water absorption decreased
with increasing chitosan concentration, reaching the lowest value of 87% at 16 g of
chitosan. FTIR analysis confirmed the formation of hydrogen bonds between hydroxyl
groups of starch and amino groups of chitosan, while SEM images revealed a more
homogeneous and compact surface structure with chitosan incorporation. Although
tensile strength met the SNI 7188-7:2017 standard (1–10 MPa), water absorption
remained far above the SNI ISO 62:2011 requirement (10–50%). Therefore, rubber seed
starch combined with chitosan shows potential as an environmentally friendly bioplastic
material, but further formulation optimization is required to improve water resistance. | en_US |
