The Effects of Caulerpa Racemosa Composition to the Properties of Corn Starch Biodegradable Film

Abstract

Biodegradable films derived from Caulerpa Racemosa (CR) seaweed and corn starch have been successfully developed via solution casting method. The effect of CR composition to the properties of corn starch biodegradable films have been successfully evaluated. FTIR analysis confirmed the existence of good chemical interaction between CR as a filler and a starch as the matrix. The solubility and moisture uptake test revealed a slightly increasing trend when the composition of CR is more than 2.5%. When the composition of CR increases, the hydrophilicity behavior of the films increases due to a large number of hydroxyl groups (-OH) that improves its binding water capability. Mechanical test result revealed that the increasing of CR composition increases the flexibility and elasticity of the films produced. Films with 2.5% CR exhibit the highest tensile strength and the highest Young’s modulus. Apart from that, soil burial test revealed that the increasing of CR compositions increases the weight loss of the film. Among the overall biodegradable blended films produced, film with 2.5% CR composition has been chosen as the best due to its good physical, mechanical and biodegradability properties. Therefore, different compositions of seaweed and starch can be used to customize a film with desired application.