Optimization of material formulation and process parameters in canna edulis starch-based biofoam synthesis

Development of starch based Biofoam rapidly progressed as a solution for minimizing pollution and environmental sustainability. Material formulation and process parameters of Biofoam synthesis were key factors related to the quality of Biofoam products. Canna edulis starch and rice straw powder were used for Biofoam synthesis. The aim of the study was to obtain the optimal formulation of materials and synthesis processes in 5 variations of the formulation with a molding temperature variation of 150 – 170°C using a Manual Thermo-pressing tool. Biofoam synthesized with P3T3 treatment showed the most optimal results with a density 0.4 gr/cm3, tensile strength 2.68 MPa, water absorption capacity 16.41%, and biodegradability 60.08%. The temperature variation treatment has no significant effect on synthesis product due to the adjustment of the printing time to the temperature used. The higher the molding temperature, the shorter the molding duration. The results of the Scanning Electron Microscopy test showed heterogeneous porosity sizes, therefore the mechanical strength was not uniform on the surface of the material. It was known that the average diameter of the Biofoam porosity is in the range of 0.106 – 0.117 mm by using ImageJ.