Open Access

ARTICLE

Direct Production of Sorbitol-Plasticized Bioplastic Film from Gracilaria sp.

Ahmad Faldo¹, Labanta Marbun¹, Hezekiah Lemuel Putra Zebua¹, Fateha Fateha², Rossy Choerun Nissa², Yurin Karunia Apsha Albaina Iasya³, Riri Uswatun Annifah³, Amrul Amrul¹, Yeyen Nurhamiyah^2,*

1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Lampung, Prof. Dr. Sumantri Brojonegoro Street No. 1, Gedong Meneng, Bandar Lampung, 35145, Indonesia
2 Research Center for Biomass and Bioproducts, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jl. Raya Puspiptek 60, 15314, Tangerang Selatan, Indonesia
3 Department of Chemistry, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jl. Dr. Setiabudi No. 229, Sukasari, Bandung, 40154, Indonesia

* Corresponding Author: Yeyen Nurhamiyah. Email:

(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Development and Application of Biodegradable Plastics)

Journal of Polymer Materials 2025, 42(3), 743-755. https://doi.org/10.32604/jpm.2025.069981

Received 04 July 2025; Accepted 12 August 2025; Issue published 30 September 2025

Abstract

Conventional bioplastic production from seaweed often relies on extraction processes that are costly, time-consuming, and yield limited product. This study presents a direct fabrication method using Gracilaria sp., a red seaweed rich in polysaccharides, to produce bioplastic films without the need for extraction. Sorbitol was incorporated as a plasticizer at concentrations of 0%–10% (w/w) to modify film characteristics. Thermal analysis revealed improved stability at moderate sorbitol levels (5%–7%), while excessive plasticizer slightly reduced thermal resistance. Mechanical testing showed that sorbitol increased film flexibility and elongation at break, though tensile strength and stiffness declined. Tear strength followed a non-linear trend, with improvement observed at higher sorbitol concentrations. Seal strength also increased, peaking at 7%, indicating stronger interfacial bonding between film layers. Biodegradation tests demonstrated accelerated decomposition with increased sorbitol content, achieving complete degradation within 30 days at 10% concentration. Color analysis showed increased brightness and reduced yellowing, enhancing the visual quality of the films. These results confirm that direct conversion of bioplastic is both feasible and effective. Sorbitol plays a key role in tuning film properties, offering a low-cost, scalable pathway to biodegradable materials suitable for environmentally friendly packaging applications.

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Keywords

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