Synthesis of Regenerated Cellulose Nanofiber/glycerol to produce Bioplastic Composite

Nowadays, people always use plastics in daily life as their needs to facilitate the carrying of large quantities of goods. As the population of people in the world increase, it has resulted in the number of plastics used constantly increasing as well. Moreover, the number of plastic wastes is also increasing as it takes a very long time to be degraded. Therefore, the process of making biodegradable plastics is necessary to reduce the number of plastic wastes. The aims of this study was to investigate the synthesis of regenerated cellulose and glycerol at different reaction times for bioplastic composite production. The EFB cellulose nanofibers were blended into the frozen solid of green solvent and stirred with glycerol at different times. A bioplastic membrane was formed after the solutions were cast, coagulated, and dried. FTIR analysis proved that the spectra of the plasticization cellulose display significant peaks in the range of 3000-3600 cm-1 and the intensity increases with increasing reaction time between cellulose and glycerol. The morphology of cellulose has changed after regeneration process. The results indicate this production of bioplastic composite had saved the earth from being littered with plastic wastes as it is more eco-friendly for the environment and users.