Characterization Of Migration Rate And Biodegradability Of Cassava Starch-Based Biofoam Modified With Alkyl Ketene Dimer

Modification of starch-based foam packaging using chemicals as additives or sizing agent may cause the chemical compounds to migrate and affect the biodegradability. This study aims to determine the characteristics of migration and biodegradability of cassava starch-based biofoam modified with alkyl ketene dimer (AKD). Thermopressing techniques from mixtured cassava starch with oil palm empty fruit bunches pulp, polyvinyl alcohol, magnesium stearate, water, and AKD as the sizing agent are used in the method of making biofoam. From the result of experiment it is found that cassava starch-based biofoam has a migration rate far higher than the permitted threshold for food packaging materials. That is because the properties of cassava starch-based biofoam cannot be approached by those of polystyrene-based packaging. Therefore, further research is needed to determine the type of simulants suitable for migration testing of cassava starch-based biofoam. However, biofoam is safe from heavy metals and is biodegradable after 21 days so that it can be used as an alternative for packaging food with low water content (dry foods).