Optimization of bioplastic production from nano-crystalline cellulose (NCC) oil palm empty fruit branch with sago starch matrix

Abstract

The development of the bioplastics industry addresses critical global challenges, specifically environmental
pollution and food safety concerns. Despite their potential, commercial applications of bioplastics remain limited
due to suboptimal physical and mechanical characteristics compared to synthetic polymers. However, bioplastics
derived from renewable resources offer significant potential as sustainable alternatives. This study investigates the
utilization of Nano-Crystalline Cellulose (NCC) derived from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches (OPEFB) as a reinforcing
filler to enhance the performance of sago starch-based bioplastics. Additionally, the role of dispersing agents in
improving the stability of liquid NCC preparations was evaluated. This study aims to evaluate the optimization of
bioplastic formulation using a sago starch matrix reinforced with NCC derived from OPEFB and dispersing agents
for potential application in food packaging. Optimization was conducted using the Response Surface Methodology
(RSM) with a Central Composite Design (CCD) consisting of two blocks based on the type of dispersing agent (KCl
and NaCl) and two factors, namely NCC concentration (1–5%) and dispersing agent (DA) concentration (0.5–3%).
The results indicated that the optimal formula was achieved at an NCC concentration of 5% (X1) and a DA
concentration of 0.5% (X2). This optimized composition yielded a tensile strength of 37.612 MPa and a Water Vapor
Transmission Rate (WVTR) of 3.990 g/m2/day. These findings demonstrate that the mechanical and barrier
properties of the resulting bioplastics generally meet the stringent requirements for food packaging applications,
positioning OPEFB-based NCC as a viable reinforcing agent for sustainable material development.

Keywords: bioplastics, dispersing agent, NCC, optimization, RSM