Biodegradability behavior of nata de coco–based bioplastics reinforced with nanosilica under different environmental conditions

Abstract

The development of bio-based plastics represents a sustainable approach to reducing the environmental impact of conventional plastics. This study aims to evaluate the biodegradability of nata de coco–based bioplastics reinforced with nanosilica in different degradation media. The novelty of this study lies in the comparative assessment of biodegradability under degradation environments with distinct pH, salinity characteristics and microbial inoculant solution as an active microbial medium, which has been scarcely reported in previous studies. Biodegradability tests were conducted by immersing the samples in a microbial inoculant solution containing Effective Microorganisms solution 4 (EM4; PT Songgolangit Persada, Indonesia), seawater, groundwater, and distilled water for 12 days, with samples collected at two-day intervals. Biodegradability was quantified based on mass loss. The results indicate that degradation media and environmental pH significantly affect the biodegradation rate. EM4 solution exhibited the highest biodegradability, reaching 97.27%, due to its acidic conditions and intensive microbial activity, whereas seawater showed the lowest biodegradability because of high salinity and alkaline pH. Increasing nanosilica content enhanced film compactness and thickness, leading to reduced biodegradability by limiting water diffusion and microbial penetration. These findings provide new insights into the interplay between material structure and degradation environment, contributing to the design of environmentally friendly bioplastics.