Corn Hominy, a Potential Material for Biodegradable Foam
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Date
2013
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Badan Penelitian dan Pengembangan Pertanian
Abstract
Our dependence on styrofoam for single used food packaging is very high due to its high strength, low
density and low cost. However, despite of all the advantages, there are some problems caused by styrofoam such
as enviromental issued and health problems. Agromaterials such as corn hominy, a by-product of dry-milling industry,
is a potential source to be used as raw material for biodegradable foam production due to its composition that
contains starch, fiber, protein and lipid which are necessary for producing biofoam. Fibers can act as reinforcement
fillers, meanwhile starch needed for expansion and also as a binder. Protein as natural polymer can synergized with
starch to perform strength matrix. Fat will acts as lubricant for demolding process and also as plasticizer to improve
mechanical properties of the foam. Some additional materials such as tapioca and synthetic polymer such as poly
vinyl alcohol (PVOH) still needed to improve physical and mechanical properties of biofoam. There are many
techniques that can be used for producing biodegradable foam such as thermopressing, extrusion, and microwave
assisted moulded. Different techniques resulted different shape and function of biofoam such as peanut foam, tray
biofoam or molded biofoam. Utilization of corn hominy for producing biodegradable foam, can increase added value
of corn hominy, decreasing enviromental problem such as pollution caused by styrofoam and also improve the level
of public health.