In commemoration of the 64th Dies Natalis, Chemical Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) held Webinar Series 4 on Saturday (17/10). This webinar raised the theme "Polymer Applications in Life" by presenting two speakers: Prof. Azlan Kamari from Sultan Idris University of Education (UPSI), Malaysia, and Prof. Dr. Endang Wijayanti LFX, M.Si., UNY. Various academics follow this activity, ranging from students, teachers to lecturers.

In Mr. Azlan's presentation entitled "Innovation in Biofilms for Food Packaging," he explained that plastic is a conventional packaging material that falls into synthetic polymers. The discovery of non-degraded plastics, despite for 49 years, proves that plastic can pollute the environment. Plastics also have adverse effects, such as providing toxic or toxic to humans, disposal at a high cost, and causing severe environmental problems.

"The development of biofilms can help decompose plastics naturally so that they are environmentally friendly. Banana leaves can be one of the natural polymer materials. In addition, banana leaf essential oil combined with gelatin film can preserve food. Thus, banana leaves contain additives used as natural polymer materials that replace synthetic polymers," he said.

Prof. Endang, in his presentation entitled Nata-Based Cellulose Membrane Application in Various Fields, explained that cellulose is a compound on the face of the earth. Biosynthesis is one of the sources of cellulose, which consists of microorganisms of algae, fungi, and bacteria. Coconut water, tofu liquid waste, cider, rice laundry water, liquid waste, and flour have Carbon sources(C) and nitrogen (N).

"When compared to plant cellulose, the Nata de coco's cellulose membrane has more pore size, thin structure, and great mechanical strength. When it wets, large absorption of water capacity, higher crystallinity, large polymerization degree, and a purer appearance," said Prof. Endang. (dian/nurul/witono, ts-Waryati, Alina)

Source Link: http://fmipa.uny.ac.id/id/berita/webinar-kimia-pemanfaatan-bahan-polimer...