Effect of Ultrasonic Treatment on Morphology and Mechanical Properties of Bioplastic from Cassava Starch with Nanoclay Reinforcement

Abstract

The research is to investigate influence of sonication treatment on the morphologi and mechanical properties of bioplastic filler nanoclay with different nanoclay concentration. The bioplastic was prepared using blending method among bioplastic, glycerol, and nanoclay with assistance of sonication treatment of 30 mins. Structural characterization of bioplastic was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mechanical properties using durumeter Shore A, tensile strength and the physical properties using density. SEM evidence on a bioplastic basis. Hardness of bioplastic with addition of nanoclay 5.0% (b/b) and sonication treatment produce bioplastic with maximum hardness properties increased to 76.24 Shore A, tensile strength of 13.5 and Young’s modulus of 47, as well as the added density of 1.238 g/cm 3 . Nanoclay 7.5% (b/b) upwards will experience decreased hardness and experience agglomerate and debonding.