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The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of turmeric microparticles
amount on the mechanical and biodegradation properties of cornstarch-based bioplastic
material. To produce the bioplastics, several steps were done sequentially: (1) dissolving a
mixture of cornstarch, glycerol, and acetic acid in aqueous solution; (2) adding turmeric
microparticles with a specific amount (i.e., 0.50; 0.75; 1.00; 1.50% (w/w)); (3) homogenizing
the mixture at temperature of 60.C; (4) molding process; and (5) drying process to get a solid
bioplastic. Experimental results showed that the addition of turmeric microparticles could
change the bioplastics strength as well as its biodegradability, while too much amount of
turmeric may result in high strength but low biodegradability.
Keywords: bioplastics, biodegradation, cornstarch, turmeric, mechanical properties |
full paper (pdf, 1536 Kb)