Utilization of Alang-Alang Fiber (Imperata cylindrica) with Tapioca Matrix as Material for Biodegradable Food Packaging

Abstract

The fast-food industry's reliance on single-use, non-biodegradable plastics has become a pressing environmental concern, driving global pollution. This study aims to develop an eco-friendly food packaging material by utilizing Imperata cylindrica (cogon grass) fibers as the main component, combined with tapioca starch as a natural adhesive. A full factorial experimental method was employed to assess the influence of three key variables: soaking duration of the cogon grass fibers in a 5% NaOH solution (3 hours and 6 hours), material composition ratios (90%:10% and 87.5%:12.5%), and hot-pressing temperatures (125°C and 150°C). Performance tests were conducted to examine the mechanical and physical properties of the material, including bending tests for tensile strength, biodegradability tests to evaluate natural decomposition capability, and moisture content tests to determine humidity levels. The optimal results were achieved with a 3-hour soaking duration, a composition of 90% cogon grass fiber and 10% tapioca starch, and a pressing temperature of 125°C. This configuration yielded a flexural strength of 62.677 MPa, a moisture content of 2%, and a biodegradation rate of 65% within 30 days. These findings suggest that cogon grass fiber composites hold promise as a sustainable alternative for food packaging applications.