Modification of Bioplastic from Napier Grass (Pennisetum purpureum) Cellulose with Various Plasticiser

Abstract

Pennisetum purpureum, or Napier grass, is a perennial monocot C4 grass belonging to the Poaceae family. Napier grasses have the potential to serve as feedstock to produce bioplastics. Cellulose was extracted from Napier grass using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The dark solution obtained after dissolution indicated the presence of lignin in Napier grass, while the extracted green residue represented the cellulose content. The extracted cellulose from Napier grass was incorporated into various bioplastic samples with varying compositions, mixed with plasticizers. Gelatin and starch were also added to the extracted cellulose from Napier grass for comparison in bioplastic production. The characterization of the bioplastics involved Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, tensile strength testing, and assessment of biodegradable properties. The FTIR spectra revealed intermolecular interactions in the bioplastics involving C-O-H, O-H, CH aliphatic, and C=O groups. Tensile tests were conducted on bioplastics made from both gelatin and starch, highlighting properties such as elongation at break, stress at break, and peak strength. The bioplastic made from gelatin exhibited significantly greater elongation at break compared to the starch-based bioplastics in this experiment.