Effect of the addition of nanoscale cellulose fibres from bagasse on the characteristics of biofoam from avocado seed starch

Chemical Engineering Department, Bandung State Polytechnic, 40559 Bandung Barat, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: robby.sudarman@polban.ac.id

Abstract

Starch-based bio-foam material, as an alternative to styrofoam, has shortcomings in mechanical properties and water resistance, so it needs a filler in the form of cellulose fibre, which is insoluble in water and has strong properties. It has been studied that nanoscale fibres have an excellent mechanical property. This study aims to determine the effect of adding cellulose fibre and cellulose nanofiber (CNF) from bagasse on the characteristics of biofoam made of avocado seed starch. The manufacture of biofoam is conducted over the thermopressing method. The added cellulose fibres varied from 0%, 1%, 3%, and 5% w/w, and cellulose nanofibers ranged from 3%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% w/w by weight of starch The results of testing biofoam from two different types of fillers showed that adding 5% of both fillers produced biofoam with the most excellent properties. Biofoam with 5% cellulose fibres from bagasse has a tensile strength value of 382.32 KPa, a water absorption capacity of 11.08%, and can degrade 10.94% in a specified time of 8 days. Adding 5% CNF from bagasse produced biofoam with a tensile strength of 385.02 Kpa, water absorption of 5.96%, and biodegradability value of 17.74% within eight days. It can be summarised that nanoscale fibres can increase the water resistance, mechanical properties, and biodegradability value of biofoam made with avocado seed starch.