Effect of Carboxymethyl Cellulose Composition on the Biodegradability of Bioplastics Based on Plantain Peel Starch (<i>Musa Paradisiaca L.</i>) and Shrimp Shell Chitosan

The use of biodegradable materials from renewable natural resources helps to reduce the percentage of plastic waste. In this study, we used banana peel starch (Musa Paradisiaca L.) and shrimp shell chitosan as the basic material for bioplastic by adding glycerol. In this process, additives in the form of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) are also used. to increase the biodegradability level of the bioplastic. The composition of chitosan and glycerol used were 1 gr and 1%, respectively. Starch variations were 1, 2, and 3 grams, while CMC were 0.5, 1, and 1.5 grams. The results of this study, namely the Optical Microscope test showed that the bioplastic structure still contained pinholes (air bubbles), indentations, and non-homogeneous starch. In the tensile test conducted on samples G and C, the average tensile strength was 0.01063 MPa, the average elongation was 2.65% and the average Young's modulus was 2.159 MPa. The results of the Biodegradation Test showed that variations in the addition of CMC composition to bioplastics significantly affect the percent degradation value, where the greater the CMC composition, the higher the percent degradation value.