Palm oil and cinnamon (anti-microbial agent) on the physicochemical, mechanical, and biodegradation properties of micrometer-sized cornstarch-based bioplastic

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the addition of palm oil and cinnamon on the physicochemical, mechanical, and biodegradation properties of cornstarch-based bioplastic. Experiments were done by adding cornstarch into water, glycerol, acetic acid, and cinnamon. Then, the mixed suspension was heated at 100⁰C, added with palm oil (0.19; 0.30; 0.60; 0.90; 1.30; 1.90 %(v/v)), molded, and dried at room temperature without exposure to sunlight. To support the analysis, several characterizations (i.e. FTIR, digital microscope, puncture test, compressive test, and biodegradability test) were conducted. Based on puncture and compressive test, the bioplastic with an addition of 1.90 %(v/v) palm oil showed good mechanical properties. In general, the addition of palm oil increased the biodegradation rate. The palm oil contains double bonds in unsaturated fatty acids that can be distributed to the bioplastic matrix. Higher lipid content caused less moisture in the bioplastic so that the bioplastic was more brittle, inelastic, and degradable. However, the antimicrobial amount in the cinnamon reduced the biodegradability of bioplastic. This research provided new information on bioplastics as environmentally friendly plastic and alternative to conventional plastic.