The Effect of Alkalization Process on The Mechanical Properties of Straw Biocomposites as Egg Tray Materials

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Published Oct 30, 2026
https://doi.org/10.55043/jfpc.v5i3.690
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Vol. 5 No. 3 (2026): Journal of Fibers and Polymer Composites

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Achmad Mawahib
University of Jember
Robertoes Koekoeh Koentjoro Wibowo
University of Jember
Imam Sholahuddin
University of Jember
Mochamad Asrofi
University of Jember
Andi Sanata
University of Jember
Salahuddin Junus
University of Jember
Danang Yudistiro
University of Jember

Abstract

Rice plants constitute the majority of crops grown by farmers in Indonesia. Straw is a harvest from rice plants which is still underutilized. The majority of farmers burn this straw waste to destroy it. This creates serious problems and can pollute the environment. One alternative for utilizing waste from straw is to make a biocomposite product in the form of egg tray molds from rice straw. One material that can be used as an alternative is cassava starch because it can decompose naturally. In this study, biocomposite material was made from cassava starch reinforced with rice straw which had been alkalized with varying concentrations of NaOH (7, 8, and 9%), boiling time (30, 45, and 60 minutes), and boiling temperature (70-80, 80 -90, and 90-100°C) and uses the casting method in the manufacturing process. The tests carried out are tensile testing and biodegradable testing. Tensile testing was carried out to determine tensile strength, strain and tensile modulus using ASTM D638 Type IV. Biodegradable testing was carried out to determine the level of natural degradation of biocomposites using ASTM D6868. The highest tensile test results were shown with the A3 specimen with variations in the alkalization process of 9% NaOH, 45 minutes, and 70-80°C. This specimen produces a tensile stress of 9.23 MPa, a strain of 14.82%, and an elastic modulus of 62.28 MPa. The results of the degradation test showed that specimen t1 with variations in alkalization of 8% NaOH concentration, 30 minutes, and 80-90°C with a degradation rate of 3.7%/day. These findings demonstrate that alkalization significantly improves the mechanical integrity and biodegradability of rice straw biocomposites, highlighting their potential as eco-friendly alternative materials for bio-based packaging applications, such as molded pulp or egg tray packaging.

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Author Biographies

Achmad Mawahib, University of Jember

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Jember, Jember, Indonesia

Robertoes Koekoeh Koentjoro Wibowo, University of Jember

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Jember, Jember, Indonesia

Imam Sholahuddin, University of Jember

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Jember, Jember, Indonesia

Mochamad Asrofi, University of Jember

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Jember, Jember, Indonesia

Andi Sanata, University of Jember

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Jember, Jember, Indonesia

Salahuddin Junus, University of Jember

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Jember, Jember, Indonesia

Danang Yudistiro, University of Jember

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Jember, Jember, Indonesia

How to Cite
Mawahib, A., Wibowo, R. K. K., Sholahuddin, I., Asrofi, M., Sanata, A., Junus, S., & Yudistiro, D. (2026). The Effect of Alkalization Process on The Mechanical Properties of Straw Biocomposites as Egg Tray Materials. Journal of Fibers and Polymer Composites, 5(3), 252–262. https://doi.org/10.55043/jfpc.v5i3.690

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