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Abstract
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In this research, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) - chitosan composite films were produced with nanocellulose from coconut fibers (Cocos nucifera) from an Indonesian plantation in order to enhance mechanical properties and biodegradability. The process began by separating lignin and hemicellulose by delignification, bleaching, and then hydrolysis cellulose to produce nanocellulose. The PVA was mixed with chitosan in specific compositions and added the nanocellulose in 0%, 1%, 3%, and 5% concentrations, respectively. A tensile test was conducted to obtain tensile strength and elongation break. Biodegradability testing was also carried out to determine the levels of mass loss. Based on SEM observations, the addition of nanocellulose appears to increase the reactivity of the formation of PVA-chitosan composite films, which are characterized by a reduction in film thickness. The addition of nanocellulose, at a concentration of 5%, has a higher tensile strength, fracture elongation and biodegradability of the composite film to 31.50 MPa, 39.9% and 9.04%, respectively.
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