PROPERTY EVALUATION OF PECTIN-BASED BIOPLASTIC USING POMELO (Citrus maxima L.)

The goal of this study is to produce pectin-based bioplastic from pomelo （Citrus maxima L.) pith using glycerol as a plasticizer, with a pectin-glycerol ratio; 1:0.5, T2-1:1, T3-1:1.5. Three different treatments, with three replications, are considered. The maximum value for thickness is 0.112mm; while specific gravity is 1.303. The highest percentage of water absorption is 100%, with 31% biodegradability, showing an inverse relationship. The maximum value for tensile strength is 0.108MPa, and an equivalent percentage elongation at a break value of 2.67%, showing an inverse relationship. The study shows that as glycerol volume increases, the bioplastic becomes more weak and hydrophilic considering the mechanical property tests and water absorption. However, for biodegradability, the higher the volume of the glycerol, the lesser the mass loss. Given the values, T1 is recommended, for it is the strongest among the treatments and least hydrophilic.