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In relation to this article, we declare that there is no conflict of interest.
Publication history
Received November 18, 2025
Revised February 15, 2026
Accepted February 27, 2026
Available online May 25, 2026
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Reinforced Sweet Potato Starch Bioplastics with Kenaf Fiber and Indian Jujube Extract

Department of Chemical Engineering and Sustainability, International Islamic University Malaysia 1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kolhapur Institute of Technology’s College of Engineering Kolhapur 2Chemical Engineering Program, An-Najah National University 3Department of Bioprocess and Polymer Engineering, School of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia 4Institute of Bioproduct Development, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 5Faculty of Chemical Engineering & Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis 6epartment of Construction Management, Faculty of Built Environment, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology 7 Laboratory of Biocomposite Technology, Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products (INTROP), Universiti Putra Malaysia 8Faculty of Business, Economics and Accountancy, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS 9Advanced Battery Recycle (ABR) Co. Ltd 10Department of Chemical Engineering, Sunchon National University
fathilah@iium.edu.my, mspkim@scnu.ac.kr
Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering, May 2026, 43(6), 1701-1711(11)
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11814-026-00694-3

Abstract

The excessive use of petroleum-based plastics has become a critical environmental challenge due to their non-biodegradable nature and fossil fuel origins, which strain existing waste management systems. To promote sustainable alternatives,  we developed a biodegradable composite using sweet potato starch (SPS) as the polymer matrix incorporated with glycerol, Indian jujube extract (IJE, Ziziphus mauritiana), and kenaf fiber (KF). A three-factorial experimental design was employed to optimize the formulation for maximum mechanical performance. Based on the output of the experimental design, the optimal composition for the bioplastic—comprising 15 phr glycerol, 2.5 phr IJE, and 7.5 phr KF (designated as sample S9)—exhibited improved tensile properties, achieving a tensile strength of 1.33 MPa and a strain at break of 13.7%, outperforming native starch films. This sample S9 also demonstrated 39% of water absorption, 18% of moisture content, and 31% of water solubility. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis confirmed hydroxyl (–OH) and alkane (–

CH) functional groups of the starch, while surface morphologies of the bioplastic revealed a smoother surface with fewer cracks. The incorporation of KF, glycerol, and IJE into the bioplastic significantly enhanced the mechanical, physicochemical, and thermal stability of the SPS biocomposite, indicating its strong potential for sustainable packaging applications.

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