Utilization of Banana Peels as Biopolymer Nanocomposites: A Preliminary Study on the Addition of Electrochemically Exfoliated Graphene

Banana peel is an organic waste that contains starch and is widely available in the environment. It is biodegradable and potential material for sustainable bioplastic application. Yet the mechanical properties are still limited. Therefore, in this study, we tried to overcome those weaknesses by adding electrochemically exfoliated graphene (ECG) nanoplatelets, enhancing the bioplastic properties. By incorporating 4 wt% graphene into banana peel starch films, we obtained a considerable improvement in mechanical properties, with Young’s modulus and tensile strength increasing to 135.02 MPa (from 23.13 MPa) and 3.74 MPa (from 2.07 MPa), respectively. Furthermore, the modified bioplastic exhibited a good water contact angle from 44.95° to 50.27°. The bioplastics retained their biodegradability, decomposing into small sizes after 6 days in the soil. This study demonstrates the feasibility of enhancing bioplastic mechanical properties and maintaining the biodegradability and eco-friendly bioplastic of banana peel, by using ECG nanoplatelets.