Synthesis and Characterization of Carboxymethyl Cellulose from Coconut Peel for Preparation of Bioplastics Packaging

Abstract

This research focuses on the synthesis of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) from agricultural residual coconut peel by modifying the properties of cellulose to replace the original structure with the methyl and carboxylic groups to produce the plastic sheet. Biodegradation is tested using soil embedding methods and water solubility. It was found that the plastic sheet has the ability to degrade within 24 hours. The plastic sheet has a different color and thickness. The suitable plastic sheet for packaging production is plastic prepared from 5 grams of CMC-1 powder which has a smooth homogeneous sheet, translucent, brown color with a thickness of 0.160 mm, and a 32.73 N of tensile strength. As the results, the analysis of the characteristics of plastic sheets using the FTIR technique show various wave numbers and can see O-H stretching at peak of 3400 cm^-1. Other peaks can also be seen with CH₂ and CH₃ C-H stretching is at the wave number of 2922 cm^-1, carbonyl group C=O is at the wave number of 1059 cm^-1, and C-O stretching of alcohol is at the wave number of 1059 cm^-1.