Comparative Study on Properties and Biodegradation of Starch-Based and Gelatin-Based Bioplastics

For the past few decades, pollution resulting from conventional or petroleum-based plastics has emerged as a global issue. The adverse impacts of these non-biodegradable polymers have prompted a growing focus on the research and advancement of environmentally friendly bioplastics. In this study, the comparison of starch-based (tapioca, corn, potato, and wheat) and gelatin-based bioplastics will be carried out and assessed. The samples are measured and cut into pieces with dimension of 3 cm x 4 cm. Later, the appearance and surface morphology of the bioplastic samples will be carried out using optical microscope while its structure elucidation will be done using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) and UV-Visible Spectrophotometer (UV-Vis). Biodegradation analysis was also carried out to determine the rate of breakdown for all synthesized bioplastic samples in soil