Biodegradable plastics from marine biomass: A solution to marine plastic pollution

Khan, Nida and Sudhakar, Kumarasamy and Rizalman, Mamat (2025) Biodegradable plastics from marine biomass: A solution to marine plastic pollution. Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances, 17 (100559). pp. 1-12. ISSN 2772-4166. (Published)

[img]
Preview
Pdf
Biodegradable plastics from marine biomass_ A solution to marine plastic pollution.pdf
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives.

Download (12MB) | Preview

Abstract

The growing demand for plastics has raised environmental concerns due to their non-biodegradable nature. Sustainable solutions are urgently required to decrease plastic pollution. This study explored the potential of Sargassum wightii, a seaweed found in Malaysia, as a sustainable material for bioplastic films. The seaweed-based bioplastic was produced using an extraction-based method where alginate was formed using NaOH, followed by mixing sodium alginate with isopropanol and potato starch. The bioplastic was then characterized using various analytical techniques, including Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Physical properties such as density and moisture content, along with environmental tests like water absorption and biodegradability, were evaluated. TGA analysis indicated that 31.12 % of the sample remained as residue. FTIR spectroscopy identified the presence of bioactive compounds, with a prominent alcohol group peak at 3358cm-1. XRD analysis revealed a peak at 23.1°, indicating crystallinity within the sample. The moisture content of the bioplastic film was found to be 21.16 %. The water absorption test demonstrated the film's hydrophilic nature, showing a 60 % increase in weight. A soil burial test for biodegradability confirmed a 40 % reduction in weight over 21 days, indicating a reasonable degradation rate. These findings suggest that seaweed holds promise as an alternative raw material for bioplastic production, contributing to more sustainable materials and reducing reliance on non-biodegradable plastics.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: Indexed by Scopus
Uncontrolled Keywords: Bioplastic; Biodegradable; Seaweed; Sargassum wightii; SDG 12
Subjects: T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering
T Technology > TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery
Faculty/Division: Institute of Postgraduate Studies
Centre of Excellence: Automotive Engineering Centre
Centre of Excellence: Automotive Engineering Centre

Faculty of Civil Engineering Technology
Faculty of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering Technology
Centre for Research in Advanced Fluid & Processes (Fluid Centre)
Depositing User: Mrs Norsaini Abdul Samat
Date Deposited: 11 Dec 2024 07:45
Last Modified: 12 Mar 2025 03:09
URI: http://umpir.ump.edu.my/id/eprint/43140
Download Statistic: View Download Statistics

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item