The potential of rice bran waste (Oryza sativa L.) and shrimp shell waste as chitin nanowhisker with glycerol plasticizer in the production of bioplastic

Abstract

Bioplastics are plastics made from biopolymers as an alternative to commercial plastics to reduce environmental pollution. Starch from rice bran waste is an essential biopolymer material, and chitin from shrimp shell waste; can be converted into chitin nanowhiskers (CNWs) that can strengthen biopolymer materials. A glycerol plasticizer was added to improve its elasticity. This research aims to determine the potential of starch from rice bran waste and CNWs from shrimp shell waste as ingredients in the production of bioplastics with the addition of glycerol plasticizer and its degradation property through soil burial testing. This fundamental research consists of chitin extraction, CNW production, starch extraction, bioplastic production, tensile strength testing, water uptake testing and soil burial testing on the sand, humus, and compost. The use of rice bran starch and shrimp shell CNW as ingredients in the production of bioplastics are deemed potential. This bioplastic exhibited low mechanical properties such as tensile strength and water uptake but outstanding degradation in the soil burial testing.