Comparison reflux and melt blending method in preparation of biodegradable plastic from high density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic waste and starch from palm oil empty fruit bunch

Biodegradable plastics can be produced from mixing synthetic plastic waste with natural polymers. In this research, biodegradable plastic from High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) waste and starch from palm oil empty fruit bunch was made. The HDPE wastes used were modified with 1% maleic anhydride as crosslinking agent with the help of 1% benzoyl peroxide as initiator. The method of mixing the material was done with two different methods, namely the reflux method and the melt blending method with variation of the ingredients added with a fixed ratio of HDPE-g-MA: Starch (60:40). Conclusion from the analysis of the mechanical properties, thermal properties and morphological properties, biodegradable plastic with rheomix method has advantages over reflux method where the tensile strength value is 15.970 N/m2 and 3.518% elongation value. The thermal properties can be seen from the melting point at a temperature of 128.3° C, decomposition point at 488.23° C and carbon residue from Thermal Gravimetry Analysis (TGA) test is 2.537%. From the analysis of morphological properties as can be seen in SEM observation showed biodegradable plastic made by melt blending method have a more even mixture that minimizes the pores on biodegradable plastic produced.