Characteristics of CNC Reinforced Cassava Starch Biocomposites Activated with Holy Basil Extract

The effect of holy basil (Ocimum sanctum L.) extract (HBE) additions on the properties of nanocrystalline cellulose (CNC) reinforced cassava starch biocomposites were investigated. The CNC used in this study was isolated from banana pseudostem fiber. The biocomposites were produced with cassava starch (5%) and glycerol (30% v/w of starch), reinforced with CNC (6% w/w of starch) and added with HBE (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10% v/v). The biocomposites were prepared by casting method and then were characterized through density test, tensile test, water absorption analysis, water vapor transmission rate analysis and antioxidant activity by DPPH assay. The results showed that with HBE addition, the tensile strength of bioomposites decreased from 4.126 MPa (without HBE addition) to 1.887 MPa (10% HBE). The addition of HBE enhanced the antioxidant activity of the biocomposites to 19.92% with 10% HBE addition and increasing the amount of HIBE slightly affected the color of biocomposites.