Effect Of Activated Carbon On The Mechanical Properties Of Sweet Potato Starch Bioplastic

Abstract

Plastic pollution caused by single-use plastics has been a growing concern for environmentalists. This study explored the properties of sweet potato bioplastic samples to address plastic waste, focusing on tensile strength. The researchers created bioplastic samples using a mixture of sweet potato starch, vinegar, glycerin, and water. Tensile testing of 24 sweet potato bioplastics revealed that samples containing 7 mL of glycerin consistently exhibited greater ultimate strengths compared to those with 11 mL of glycerin. Specifically, samples containing activated carbon and 7 mL of glycerin had the highest mean ultimate strength (0.567 MPa), whereas those with no activated carbon but 11 mL of glycerin had the lowest (0.1483 MPa). Additionally, the samples with activated carbon and 7 mL of glycerin demonstrated the highest modulus of elasticity (1.3332 MPa) and yield strength (0.3311 MPa). These findings suggest that sweet potato bioplastics, particularly those with activated carbon and 7 mL of glycerin, have the potential to be a strong and sustainable alternative to conventional plastics. The study underscores the importance of optimizing the composition of bioplastics to enhance their mechanical properties and promote environmental sustainability.