Biodegradable films from cocoa husk-derived cellulose with kappa and iota-carrageenan formulations Film biodegradabel berbasis selulosa kulit kakao dengan formulasi kappa dan iota-karaginan
Abstract
The extensive use of conventional plastic packaging has raised environmental concerns due to its non-biodegradable nature, encouraging the development of biodegradable materials from renewable resources. Cocoa pod husks, an abundant agricultural by-product, are a promising source of cellulose for biodegradable film production. Kappa (κ-) and iota (ι-) carrageenans are widely used as matrix materials to improve the film-forming properties. This study investigated the characteristics of biodegradable packaging films produced from cocoa pod husk-derived cellulose combined with κ- and ι-carrageenan. Films were produced using the solution casting method with eight different formulations of cellulose, κ-carrageenan, and ι-carrageenan. The films were characterized by (FTIRr-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), thickness, tensile strength, elongation at break, Young’s modulus, swelling, and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR). Cellulose incorporation generally increased film thickness and reduced tensile strength compared to carrageenan-based films, while lowering the WVTR in selected formulations. Films containing higher proportions of ι-carrageenan exhibited the greatest elongation and the highest water absorption. The swelling values ranged from 159.50% to 473.23%, whereas the WVTR ranged from 1.14 to 5.43 g/m²/24 h. Increasing the cellulose content generally reduced the WVTR, reflecting the improved water vapor barrier properties associated with higher crystallinity. All cellulose-containing films satisfied the minimum tensile strength requirement specified in JIS Z 1707, although their elongation remained within the poor-to-moderately good category. Overall, biodegradable films formulated from cocoa pod husk cellulose with κ- and ι-carrageenan demonstrate promising potential as sustainable and environmentally friendly food packaging materials.
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References
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Copyright (c) 2026 Haidawati, Esa Ghanim Fadhallah, Muhammad Ridho Al Farizi, Meilia Ardana; Az Zahra Firdaus Syachputri; Nessa Maharani
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