COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF BIOPLASTIC PRODUCED FROM POTATO (IPOMOEA BATATAS) STARCH REINFORNCED WITH TITANIUM OXIDE
Abstract
This study conducted a comparative analysis of bioplastics produced from potato starch reinforced
with varying concentrations of titanium dioxide (TiO₂). Starch-based bioplastic samples were
prepared with 2g and 3g of TiO₂ reinforcement. The properties analyzed included water solubility,
alcohol solubility, and biodegradability. Results indicate that the bioplastic sample with 2g of TiO₂
showed a water solubility of 33.60%, alcohol solubility of 31.25%, and a biodegradability of
51.33%, while the sample with 3g of TiO₂ exhibited higher water solubility at 35.94%, lower
alcohol solubility at 29.68%, and significantly higher biodegradability at 66.92%. Elemental
analysis through SEM-EDX revealed the composition of each sample, highlighting the influence
of reinforcement on bioplastic properties. This research demonstrates that increasing TiO₂ content
in starch-based bioplastics may enhance certain functional characteristics, particularly
biodegradability, which is crucial for environmental applications.
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