Evaluation of plasticizer's effects to cassava film using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

Abstract

This study explored the characterization of cassava films added with plasticizers as a separator/ion-exchange potential for zinc-air fuel cells (ZAFC). Commonly, fuel cells have been encouraged as an alternative perspective in producing electricity via a clean energy transition machine that is expected to minimal gas emissions. Nevertheless, the organic polymer exhibits as the separator/ion-exchange potential in fuel cells are nonbiodegradable. Hence the effect of plasticizers that added to cassava starch film being evaluated via Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) on the structural and chemical chain. Plasticizers such as glycerol, sorbitol, sucrose, and aliquat (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 wt%) were added to the cassava starch. After the plasticizers being added to the cassava starch film, the composition or the solution being dried before being tested. Cassava starch film surfaces were observed in a mixture of glycerol, sorbitol, and sucrose because glycerol and sucrose are more hydrophilic than sorbitol based on observation of chemical reactions observed by FTIR.