Synthesis of Cellulose Nanofiber from Cogon Grass (Imperata cylindrica) for Bioplastic Production

Abstract

The dependence and reliance on lightweight materials, generally plastics, for many applications has resulted in global plastic pollution and consequent environmental effects. The situation of marine garbage pollution in the Philippines is critical and concerning. Manila Bay and Pasig River, two common bodies of water in the country, are reported to be extensively polluted by plastics. With this problem, the researchers conducted a study to address the issue of water pollution caused by discarded plastics in the Philippines by utilizing cellulose nanofiber (CNF) extracted from cogon grass and reinforced with polyamide-6 (PA6) to improve the characteristics, especially biodegradability, of plastics. A percentage ratio of 60:40, 70:30, and 80:20 was used for the mixture of CNF and PA6, and outstanding tensile characteristics were found. Based on their tensile strength performed using PASCO – Wireless Force Acceleration, Sample 2 (70:30) exhibits better tensile strength than Sample 1 (60:40). Meanwhile, a T-test for independent samples was used to determine the significant difference in the tensile strength between the samples of bioplastic and commercial plastic. Results showed that Sample 2 has a higher tensile strength than Plastics. Additionally, samples 1 and 2 had a rate of weight loss of 14.81% compared to the 0% weight loss of commercial plastic within seven days. The significant difference in weight reduction between trials was determined using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). There was no significant difference in the weight loss between the samples. It shows that both models have the same biodegradability.