DOI: https://doi.org/10.14710/jksa.29.1.46-57

Effect of Polylactic Acid on Mechanical, Chemical, Thermal, Morphology, Water Absorption, and Biodegradability Characteristics of Degradable Plastic from Durian Peel Waste

1Material Engineering Department, Malikussaleh University, Lhokseumawe 24353, Aceh, Indonesia

2Center of Excellence Technology, Natural Polymer, and Recycle Plastics, Malikussaleh University, Lhokseumawe 24353, Aceh, Indonesia

3Chemical Engineering Department, Malikussaleh University, Lhokseumawe 24353, Aceh, Indonesia

4 Department of Renewable Energy Engineering, Malikussaleh University, Lhokseumawe 24353, Aceh, Indonesia

5 Chemical Engineering Department, Syiah Kuala University, Banda Aceh 23111, Aceh, Indonesia

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Received: 23 Aug 2025; Revised: 22 Jan 2026; Accepted: 26 Jan 2026; Published: 7 Feb 2026.
Open Access Copyright 2026 Jurnal Kimia Sains dan Aplikasi under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0.

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Abstract
Durian peels consist of cellulose, a potential base material for producing sustainable products, particularly degradable plastics. This study examines the impact of polylactic acid (PLA) blends on the degradable plastics derived from durian peel (Durio zibethinus). The mechanical characteristics of the degradable plastics: tensile strength of 2.5671–9.3498 MPa, elongation of 31–96%, and Young’s modulus of 161.32–219.95 MPa. The analysis of the compound revealed the presence of the alcohol monomer (O-H), alkanes and aromatic rings (C-H), carbonyl (C=O), and alkenes (C-O) groups. The potential for soil microbes to decompose these groups is also a consideration, given their hydrophilic nature, which enables them to bind to water. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis of the degradable plastic sample revealed the presence of 13 elements: Mg, Ca, Al, P, Fe, Cl, K, Sr, Zn, Sc, Rh, S, and Si. In this study, no harmful metal contaminants (Pb, Hg, or Cd) were identified. Thermal analysis, encompassing a temperature range from 357.67°C to 443.67°C, has been instrumental in identifying the phase transition that marks the onset of extreme weight loss during crystallization. Morphological analysis revealed incomplete dissolution, leading to a nonuniform shape. Solubility is directly proportional to the duration of the stirring process. The degradable plastic with the least swelling is composed of 3.5 g of cellulose and 3 g of PLA, exhibiting a degree of swelling of 4.89%. The degradable plastic is predicted to decompose most rapidly after 56 days with a PLA content of 3 g. This experimental result aligns with the provisions outlined in ASTM D2096, a standard that establishes a maximum time limit of 180 days for the degradation of plastics.
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Keywords: peels; cellulose; sustainable products; polylactic acid; degradable plastics
Funding: This study was funded by the non-tax State Revenue (PNBP) under contract 123/PPK-2/SWK-II/AL.04/2025 with reference code 25.01.FT.20 Malikussaleh University Fiscal Year 2025.

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Language : EN
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