Optimization of biodegradable plastic production using response surface methodology

Abstract

Optimization is a searching technique for variable values considered optimum, effective and efficient, in order to reach the desirable results. An experiment was carried out to see the relationship between response variable and the independent variable. Several comparison tests can be obtained to gain the level that will create optimal response. The aim of this research is to apply the Response Surface methodology in order to obtain the optimum condition for the process variable in producing biodegradable plastic with lemongrass as antioxidant. Fixed variables in this research are tapioca starch, 69-79°C gelatinization temperature and the total mixture weight that consists of starch, poly(NIPAM) chitosan, lemongrass oil, acetic acid and water. The response variables are tensile strength and break of elongation of each biodegradable plastic that is produced. The application of response surface methodology on each biodegradable plastic can be used to obtain the independent variable that makes the optimal response variable. The predicted result of the optimum value for tensile strength and elongation of break lies on the composition treatment of Poly(NIPAM)-chitosan 0.35 grams, glycerol 3.5 grams and 36,55% lemongrass oil with tensile strength result of 3.98 MPa and elongation of break of 36.55%.