Devita Amelia, R.A. Ilyas, Hairul Abral, Mochamad Asrofi, Muhammad Asyraf Muhammad Rizal, Mohamad Zaki Hassan, Mohamad Haafiz Mohamad Kassim, Nurul Fazita Mohammad Rawi, Nasrullah Razali, Melbi Mahardika
This study characterizes biocomposites derived from jicama starch and reinforced with microfibers obtained from jicama bagasse (JB). The incorporation of jicama bagasse microfibers into the jicama matrix was systematically varied at concentrations of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 wt%. The starch film and biocomposite were prepared using solution casting methodologies, employing glycerol as a plasticizing agent. The biocomposites were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, the moisture absorption and tensile properties were evaluated. The jicama starch contained 44% w/w amylose, whereas the jicama bagasse microfiber contained 55.98% w/w cellulose. Following the incorporation of jicama bagasse microfibers at concentrations ranging from 1 to 3 wt%, the biocomposite film exhibited a statistically significant enhancement (p ≤ 0.05) in its tensile properties and moisture resistance. The biocomposite containing 3 wt% jicama bagasse microfiber exhibited the most favorable properties. Specifically, the tensile strength, crystallinity index, and moisture absorption (after 6 h) of this film were recorded at 9.7 MPa (an increase of 470%), 6.7% (an increase of 14.7%), and 32.6% (a decrease of 31.6%), respectively, in comparison to the pure starch film. These findings indicate that the biocomposite film has considerable potential for application in industrial food packaging. Copyright © 2026 The Authors.
Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor, Skudai, 81310, Malaysia; Research Collaboration Center for Nanocellulose, BRIN-Andalas University, West Sumatera, Padang, 25163, Indonesia; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Andalas University, West Sumatera, Padang, 25163, Indonesia; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Jember, Jawa Timur, Jember, 68121, Indonesia; Engineering Design Research Group (EDRG), Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor, Skudai, 81310, Malaysia; Faculty of Artificial Intelligence, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, 54100, Malaysia; Division of Bioresource Technology, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Gelugor, 11800, Malaysia; Cluster of Green Biopolymer, Coatings & Packaging, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Gelugor, 11800, Malaysia; Department of Chemical Engineering, Syiah Kuala University, Banda Aceh, Aceh, 23111, Indonesia; Research Center for Biomass and Bioproducts, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Serpong, South Tangerang, Banten, 15314, Indonesia
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