Biodegradation of PCL/PCLacac Biocomposite with the Addition of Nanocellulose from Rice Straw Waste as Filler in Soil Media
Muhammad Yusuf*, Nurfajriani, Rudi Munzirwan Siregar, Muhammad Baghery Rafsanzani, Innayah Wulandari, Wella Apriwidyanti, Nur Anisa Anggita, Irfan Aldi

Department of Chemistry, Universitas Negeri Medan, Jl. Willem Iskandar Pasar V, Medan Estate,
Medan, Indonesia, 20221

Abstract

Biocomposites based on poly(&#949--caprolactone) (PCL) and cellulose have been widely used in packaging, agriculture, materials, and biomedicine. PCL is a biocompatible and flexible polymer that can interact with cellulose. Meanwhile, cellulose is a renewable, environmentally friendly, and abundant natural filler in Indonesia. The combination of the two is expected to produce a material with improved mechanical, thermal, and biodegradable properties. In this study, short-chain synthetic PCL (PCLacac) was used as a compatibilizer in the PCL matrix to enhance its interaction with the hydroxyl groups of cellulose. Next, PCLacac was mixed with a commercial long-chain PCL matrix and nanocellulose derived from rice stalks using a reflux method to form a biocomposite. Next, the biodegradation rate was tested in soil media for 60 days which showed that the addition of 2.5% PCLacac to PCL resulted in the fastest degradation rate.

Keywords: biodegradation, biocomposite, PCL, nanocellulose, and soil media

Topic: Sciences, Engineering and Material Science