Increasing the Barrier and Mechanical Properties of Bionanocomposite Film based on Suweg Starch/NCC by Adding VCO as Environmentally Friendly Packaging

Abstract

Bionanocomposite films are the most recent advancement in the development of bioplastics to cope with plastic waste. Suweg starch has the potential to be used as a basic material for making bionanocomposite films, but the starch used individually has hydrophilic properties. Adding Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) as a hydrophobic component can improve the mechanical properties and permeability of bionanocomposite films. This research aims to determine the effect of adding VCO on the properties of bionanocomposite films based on suweg starch and Nanocrystalline Cellulose (NCC) at concentrations of 0, 3, and 5 wt%. The analytical method used is an exploratory descriptive method. The results showed that adding a concentration of 5 wt% VCO was the best treatment by reducing the WVTR value to 5.582 g/m².h, increasing the film thickness to 0.122 mm, reducing the solubility value to 37.974%, increasing elongation to a value of 75.176%, and reducing the level of biodegradability to 63.64%. Adding VCO to the bionanocomposite films forms a bond with the starch granules so that a flatter surface appears. This bionanocomposite film has a great opportunity to be developed as environmentally friendly food packaging.