Sintesis dan Karakterisasi Bioplastik Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)/Selulosa Nanokristalin dari Serat Ijuk (Arenga Pinnata)

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to utilize cellulose isolated from ijuk fibers as the source of nanocellulose crystalline (NCC), which would be used as filler on bioplastic polyvinvyl alcohol (PVA). To achieve NCC, chemical-based alkali condition was performed on the fibers, followed by bleaching and hydrolysis. Bioplastic was synthesized via solution-casting method with 6 variations of NCC addition, i.e., 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 %. The bioplastic samples were then characterized via UTM, FTIR, SEM, UV-Vis, XRD and DMA. Via chemical treatment, lignin and hemicellulose were able to remove from ijuk fibers, thus; NCC can be obtained. This successful treatment was indicated by the confirmation of cellulosic functional groups (-CH2, C-O, C-H, O-H) as well as an increase of crystallinity percentage to 43.66% with 6.07 ± 0.14 nm in diameter. Then, the optimum composition of bioplastic was displayed in sample with the addition of 3% NCC, with confirmed main functional groups as follow -OH (3294.42 cm-1), C-H (2924.09 cm-1), C-O (1095.57 cm-1) dan -CH2 (586.36 cm-1). The value of crystallinity index was 31.01% with opacity level of 80 au.nm and 140oC of melting point. Based on morphological features, agglomerated white small particles were observed, assuming the agglomeration state of NCC. This study demonstrates that NCC from ijuk fibers were able to improve physical and chemical properties of PVA-based bioplastic.