Synthesis of plantain peel powder-based biofilm

The present study investigated the use of ripe plantain peel powder, crude glycerol, vinegar, egg shell powder and cassava starch as source raw materials for producing plantain peel-based biodegradable biofilm (P-BF). The synthesized biofilm was characterized by chemical test (FTIR, GC-MS, morphology test, water absorption property, biodegradation test, solubility test and swelling test) and mechanical test (ultimate tensile test, flexural, hardness test, % elongation and thermogravimetric analysis). Results showed successful production of P-BF. A non-plantain bioplastic (NP-BF) served as control. The FTIR analysis showed eight functional groups; ether, ethene, amine, carboxylic acid, nitriles, methylene, cyclic ester, primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols common to hydrocarbons. The biodegradation test showed the P-BF degraded at the same pace as NP-BF which degraded on the 6th day of the test. The mechanical test showed P-BF had higher thermal stability and water absorption property compared to the NP-BF. However, P-BF showed lower ultimate tensile test, flexural, hardness test, percentage elongation compared to the NP-BF. Morphology test showed that there was uneven distribution of constituents materials in P-BF compared to the NP-BF which affected its mechanical properties. In conclusion, the study successfully produced plantain peel-based biodegradable biofilm with good mechanical properties, biodegradability, thermal stability, fair water absorption property.