Physicochemical and sensory characteristics of bioplastics from phosphate butyrylated arenga starches

The aim of this study was to obtain the optimum concentration of phosphate butyrylated arenga starches (PBAS) of bioplastic based on the physicochemical and sensory properties. The PBAS was obtained by dual modification of native arenga starch through butyrylation using 5% butyric anhydride and crosslinking using 6% a mixture of sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP) and sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) at 99:1 (w/w). The concentration of the PBAS tested varied at 4.7; 5.0; 5.3; 5.7; 6.0; 6.3; 6.7; 7.0; and 7.3% (w/v) with three replications so that there were 27 experimental units used. The thickness, water holding capacity (WHC), oil holding capacity (OHC), swelling power, solubility, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), water content, pH, biodegradation and properties of sensory were investigated. Results showed that the thickness, solubility, WVTR and water content of bioplastics increased with the increase in the concentrations of PBAS. On the other hand, WHC and OHC, swelling power, pH, and biodegradation decreased along with the increase in PBAS concentrations. Sensory color of bioplastics increased, while texture, aroma and overall acceptability decreased with the increase in PBAS concentrations. The concentration of PBAS at 7.0% was optimum for the physicochemical and sensory properties of bioplastics as indicated by low WVTR and water content as well as panelist preference on bioplastic texture. Keywords: Phosphate butyrylated arenga starches; Physicochemical of bioplastic; Sensory of bioplastic.