YS2114: BIOPLASTIC BANANA PEEL

ALIA QISTINA BT ZAMAN AZAM MRSM TUN ABDUL RAZAK

This project investigates the synthesis and characterization of bioplastics derived from banana peels as an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based plastics. Annually, millions of tons of agricultural banana waste are discarded, contributing to environmental degradation. By extracting starch and cellulose from these peels, we developed a biodegradable polymer using glycerin as a plasticizer to enhance flexibility. The structural, mechanical, and thermal properties of the resulting material were rigorously evaluated. Results demonstrate that banana peel bioplastic exhibits sufficient tensile strength for single-use packaging applications. Furthermore, the material completely degrades in soil, offering a viable, sustainable solution to minimize global plastic pollution.