Abstract
This work studied the effect of types and amount of plasticizers on thermoplastic starch properties from pineapple stem with good mechanical properties, water resistant and biodegradable. Three plasticizers were studied: erythritol, xylitol, and sorbitol. Thermoplastic starch film was prepared by solution casting. When glycerol was used as co plasticizer, it could improve the flexibility of thermoplastic starch. Thermal properties of thermoplastic starch film by DSC showed that when the plasticizers were added, the heat of fusion (DHm) was reduced. Water absorption of thermoplastic starch films are maximum in 1 hour and constant after immersed in distilled water for 3 hours. Films can maintain in their shapes at least 13 days after that they dissolved. Thermoplastic starch from pineapple stem and plasticizers i.e. sorbitol and xylitol showed no significant difference in water absorption. Thermoplastic starch films from mixed plasticizers showed more hydrophilic when compared with film from single plasticizer. Films without glycerol show high tensile strength and modulus. Thermoplastic starch film from pineapple stem is water resistant and biodegradable in water. All thermoplastic starch degraded within 30 days after biodegradability test in soil. Thermoplastic starch film made from pineapple stem is considered a naturally biodegradable plastic.
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