Development of biodegradable hybrid composite using water hyacinth and potato extract: a sustainable and green alternative to commercial plastics

Abstract

Plastic still remains a vital component of modern manufacturing because of its versatility and inexpensiveness. Nonetheless, there is a growing worldwide concern about the impact of non biodegradable plastics on the environment. Thus, this study proposes the development of bioplastics derived from water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and potato starch, which offers a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics. There is a growing need because of the environmental challenges created by synthetic plastics. Water hyacinth (WH) is an invasive aquatic plant that grows naturally in different warm parts of the world. Its high cellulose content provides low-cost material for biodegradable plastic production. This thesis focuses on separating cellulose from WH, transforming it into carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), and the formation of bioplastic with potato starch. The produced bioplastic is evaluated through a series of tests that include Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Thermogravimetry/Differential Thermal Analysis (TG/DTA) analysis, mechanical tests, and biodegradability assessments. Adding starch as a reinforcing agent has increased tensile strength from 2.38 to 3.7 MPa. 5% increase of plasticizer has increased 67% ultimate strain. TG/DTA data showed a two-step degradation process with 50% weight loss at 2440C. The surface found is mostly smooth. The renewable materials used to produce the sample also degraded within 25 days. Following the findings of the tests, the synthesized bioplastic displayed promising physical and thermal properties and better environmental compact ability.