Development of novel biodegradable membrane from oil palm biomass for daily use materials

This project focuses on developing a biodegradable film for packaging by utilizing oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) to synthesize furan dicarboxylic acid (FDCA), a key monomer for sustainable polymers. FDCA was used to create a polyamide, which was then blended with polycaprolactone (PCL), glycerol, and glutaraldehyde to form a polymer composite. The resulting blend showed mechanical and thermal properties comparable to fossil-based PVOH and demonstrated strong biodegradability. This project offers a valuable eco-friendly alternative for single-use plastics, contributing to the reduction of environmental waste through sustainable packaging materials.