M. Sirait, N. Siregar, K. Sinulingga, E.M. Ginting
This study focuses on producing biodegradable foam (biofoam) materials that are easily degradable and non-hazardous to human health. This research aims to develop environmentally friendly biofoam based on tapioca starch and sugarcane bagasse fibre, with the addition of glycerol as a plasticiser, using the thermopressing method. The variations in the composition of tapioca starch to sugarcane bagasse fibre used were (100:0)%, (70:30)%, and (60:40)%. The FTIR results revealed the presence of characteristic polysaccharide functional groups such as O–H, C–H, and C–O. Mechanical testing showed an increase in tensile strength and elastic modulus in samples with fiber addition, with the highest elastic modulus value obtained at the (70:30)% composition, reaching 13.258 MPa. The biofoam with a (70:30)% composition exhibited the most balanced mechanical and degradation properties, making this formulation potentially suitable as a replacement for styrofoam packaging. SEM images indicated that the biofoam without fiber had a relatively homogeneous surface, while the addition of 30% fiber resulted in the formation of macro pores that were still fairly well distributed. In contrast, the addition of 40% fiber showed agglomeration and large voids that reduced the interfacial bonding between fiber and starch, thereby weakening the mechanical properties. EDX analysis demonstrated the dominance of C and O elements, along with an increased presence of mineral elements (Si, Mg, Na) at higher fiber compositions. © 2026, Rasayan Journal of Chemistry, c/o Dr. Pratima Sharma. All rights reserved.
Department of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Medan, Medan, Indonesia
