Jun 16, 2025
Processing Conditions and Preparation of Biofoam via Thermopressing Method
- Hernani 1,
- Yogi Purna Rahardjo1,
- Iceu Agustinisari1,
- Tantry Eko Putri Mariastuty1,
- Eko Bhakti Susetyo1,
- Mochammad Jusuf Djafar1,
- Puji Astuti1,
- Heny Herawati1,
- S. Joni Munarso1,
- Widaningrum 1
- 1Research Center for Agroindustry
- Fiber Plant Biofoam
Protocol Citation: Hernani , Yogi Purna Rahardjo, Iceu Agustinisari, Tantry Eko Putri Mariastuty, Eko Bhakti Susetyo, Mochammad Jusuf Djafar, Puji Astuti, Heny Herawati, S. Joni Munarso, Widaningrum 2025. Processing Conditions and Preparation of Biofoam via Thermopressing Method. protocols.io https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.81wgbkj4ngpk/v1
License: This is an open access protocol distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited
Protocol status: Working
We use this protocol and it's working
Created: June 16, 2025
Last Modified: June 16, 2025
Protocol Integer ID: 220281
Keywords: Biofoam, thermopressing, cassava starch, PLA, magnesium stearate, chitosan, PVA, bagasse, molding, foam expansion, homogenous biofoam product with optimal foam expansion, preparation of biofoam, homogenous biofoam product, thermopressing method, biofoam, optimal foam expansion, preparation, ingredient mixing, including ingredient mixing
Abstract
This protocol outlines the preparation of biofoam using a thermopressing method, including ingredient mixing, thermopressing at specific temperatures, and post-processing steps to achieve a homogenous biofoam product with optimal foam expansion and structural integrity
Materials
- Solid Ingredients: Cassava starch, PLA, Magnesium stearate, Bagasse
- Liquid Ingredients: Chitosan, PVA, Distilled water
- Equipment: Mixer, Thermopressing molding machine, Smoothing device, Scissors
Troubleshooting
Safety warnings
Safety Precautions:
- Handle hot equipment, such as the molding machine, with care to avoid burns.
- Wear appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as gloves and lab coats while working with chemicals and machinery.
Mixing Ingredients
Prepare PLA (5 g), magnesium stearate (15 g), bagasse (40 g), chitosan (5 ml), distilled water (5 ml), and starch (200 g).
Prepare PVA concentration in Formula 1: 35g, Formula 2: 30g; Formula 3: 25g; Formula 4: 20g
Begin by preparing solid ingredients: Measure and combine cassava starch, PLA, magnesium stearate, and bagasse.
Use a mixer to blend the ingredients thoroughly until a homogeneous mixture is achieved.
Gradually add the liquid ingredients: chitosan, PVA (according to the respective formula), and **distilled water). Stir the mixture continuously to ensure it becomes smooth and consistent.
Thermopressing the Dough
Prepare Molding Machine/Thermopressing at 180°C
Take a 35g portion of the prepared dough.
Place the dough into a molding machine
Thermopress the dough for 4 minutes to promote starch gelatinization and foam expansion. Ensure the dough is evenly distributed in the mold during this time.
Post-Processing of Biofoam
After removing the biofoam from the mold, allow it to cool at room temperature for uniform cooling.
Trim the edges of the biofoam samples using scissors or another cutting tool to ensure consistent shape.
Use a mechanical smoothing device to smooth the surface of the biofoam, ensuring a uniform finish.
Protocol references
Etikaningrum; Hermanianto, J.; Iriani, E. S.; Syarief, R.; Permana, A. W. Pengaruh Penambahan Berbagai Modifikasi Serat Tandan Kosong Sawit Pada Sifat Fungsional Biodegradable Foam. Jurnal Penelitian Pascapanen Pertanian 2016, 13,146.