Peningkatan Kualitas Bioplastik Komposit Ulvan dan Semi-Refined Carrageenan dengan Aditif Low Methyl Pectin (LMP)

Abstract

Peningkatan penggunaan plastik konvensional menyebabkan akumulasi limbah yang sulit terdegradasi sehingga diperlukan alternatif material ramah lingkungan berupa bioplastik. Bioplastik berbasis ulvan dan semi-refined carrageenan berpotensi sebagai bahan biodegradable, namun masih memiliki sifat mekanik yang rendah. Penelitian ini bertujuan menentukan karakteristik bioplastik komposit ulvan dan semi-refined carrageenan dengan penambahan low methyl pectin (LMP) pada berbagai konsentrasi. Proses penelitian meliputi ekstraksi ulvan, pencampuran bahan, pemanasan, pencetakan, dan pengeringan. Karakteristik bioplastik dianalisis berdasarkan transparansi, ketebalan, densitas, daya serap air, waktu kelarutan, kadar air, kuat tarik, elongasi, dan gugus fungsi. Penambahan LMP berpengaruh nyata terhadap sifat fisik dan mekanik bioplastik. Konsentrasi LMP 35% merupakan perlakuan terbaik dengan ketebalan 0,151±0,001 mm, densitas 1,49±0,005 g/cm³, daya serap air 8,06±0,38%, waktu kelarutan 163 menit, kadar air 21,12±0,46%, dan kuat tarik 8,50±1,1 MPa. Penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa bioplastik komposit ulvan dan semi-refined carrageenan berpotensi sebagai kemasan larut air yang ramah lingkungan dengan karakteristik yang dapat disesuaikan melalui penambahan LMP.

The increasing use of conventional plastics has led to an accumulation of waste that is difficult to degrade, creating a need for eco-friendly alternatives such as bioplastics. Bioplastics based on ulvan and semi-refined carrageenan show potential as biodegradable materials but currently suffer from poor mechanical properties and brittleness. This study aimed to characterize composite bioplastics made from ulvan and semi-refined carrageenan with the addition of low-methyl pectin (LMP) at various concentrations. The research process involved ulvan extraction, material mixing, heating, casting, and drying. The bioplastics were analyzed for transparency, thickness, density, water absorption, solubility time, moisture content, tensile strength, elongation, and functional groups. The addition of LMP significantly influenced the physical and mechanical properties of the bioplastics. An LMP concentration of 35% yielded the best results, with a thickness of 0.151 ± 0.001 mm, density of 1.49 ± 0.005 g/cm³, water absorption of 8.06 ± 0.38%, solubility time of 163 minutes, moisture content of 21.12 ± 0.46%, and tensile strength of 8.50 ± 1.1 MPa. This study demonstrates that ulvan and semirefined carrageenan composite bioplastics have potential as eco-friendly, watersoluble packaging materials, with properties that can be tailored through the addition of LMP.