COMPOSITION OF CASSAVA STARCH-GLYCEROL-ETHANOL GEL SYNTHESIS FOR HEAVY METAL DECONTAMINATION ON SOLID MATERIAL SURFACES AND ITS MANUFACTURING METHOD

Abstract

This invention proposes a gel composition based on cassava starch, glycerol, and ethanol formulated as a heavy metal decontamination agent on the surface of solid materials. This peel-off gel utilizes natural cassava starch as the main biodegradable polymer, glycerol as a plasticizer to increase flexibility, and ethanol as an organic solvent to increase homogeneity and active surface area of ​​the gel. The optimal formulation using a ratio of 8 g starch: 5 mL glycerol: 92 mL aquadest: 3 mL ethanol produces a homogeneous gel, smooth surface, elastic, easy to remove, and stable for up to ≥14 days. The gel was tested on various solid materials such as glass, ceramics, metal, plastic, plywood, and paper, with the results showing the ability to adsorb heavy metal ions such as Co²â º, which is indicated by a change in gel color after contact with the surface.FTIR analysis demonstrated the physical-chemical interactions between the –OH groups of starch and metal ions, while SEM–EDX confirmed the intact gel morphology and the presence of metal ions in the gel matrix. This invention provides an environmentally friendly, economical, easy-to-apply, and effective alternative to synthetic polymer-based gels or corrosive materials, making it suitable for both laboratory and industrial applications.