Characteristic of a Biodegradable Foam With Bagasse as a Filler

The main issue driving this research is the need to develop sustainable packaging materials that can replace conventional nonbiodegradable plastics. Traditional biodegradable foams often exhibit inadequate mechanical and thermal properties, which limit their practical use in food packaging. The study explores sustainable packaging alternatives using agricultural waste like sugarcane bagasse and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a binder, aiming to improve structural integrity, reduce water absorption, and optimize performance, while also addressing the growing environmental demand for renewable and eco-friendly packaging solutions. Various physical properties were assessed, including moisture content, density, thickness, water absorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) morphology. The results indicated that the biofoam density ranged from 0.2282 to 0.2952 g/cm³, and thickness values were between 2.82 and 2.92 mm. Water absorption increased significantly after 2 min of immersion, while XRD analysis indicated a reduction in crystallinity with higher PVA concentrations. The morphology of the biofoam, including the shape, size, and distribution of pores, was influenced by the addition of PVA. A lower concentration of PVA led to an increase in the size of the pore holes. Among the formulations tested, the treatment with 35 g PVA (Formula 1) is recommended due to its superior mechanical strength, optimal density, and improved water resistance.