Author : Christianty, Maria Ulfa

Summary : This research explored the possibility of sago starch for blending with synthetic plastic polymer. In order to improve the physico-mechanical properties and the compatibility of the blend system, sago starch was modified into thermoplastic sago starch, while Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) was compatibilized by addition maleic anhydride. Thermoplastic sago starch was produced of compounding of starch with 20% of glycerol and 25% of water. This compound showed the best physico-mechanical properties when blending with 80% compatibilized LLDPE (compt-LLDPE). The results indicated that 40% of thermoplastic sago starch in the blends was the best composition in terms of mechanical properties and its biodegradability. Blending of thermoplastic sago starch up to 40% improved the biodegradability and maintained the tensile strength up to 110 kgf/cm2. The test for biodegradability showed high coverage of mold growth (Penicillium sp. and Aspergillus niger) on the surface palstic, i.e. 85-95% and high degree of biodegradation by alpha-amylase, i.e. 24.70%.