Synthesis and Production of Chemically Modified Bio-Based Adhesive from Cassava Root for Sustainable Industrial Applications

Cassava starch is a widely available, biodegradable raw material with strong potential for bio-adhesive production. However, its native form often exhibits weak bonding strength, limited structural stability, and high susceptibility to moisture. This study compares the structural, functional, and environmental performance of native and chemically modified cassava starch adhesives. Chemical modification was applied to enhance crystallinity, durability, and bonding capacity. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed an increase in structural ordering, with the modified starch displaying sharper and more intense peaks than the broad, weak peaks of the native sample, confirming improved crystallinity. Biodegradation testing under soil burial conditions showed that both adhesives were biodegradable, but the modified adhesive degraded more slowly, losing 52% of its mass after 30 days compared with 78% for the native adhesive. This demonstrates an effective balance between stability and environmental friendliness. The modified adhesive also presented superior viscosity, cohesion, and resistance to moisture-induced weakening, suggesting its suitability for packaging, woodworking, and eco-construction applications. Overall, the findings indicate that chemical modification significantly improves cassava starch adhesive performance while maintaining biodegradability. Further research is recommended to explore advanced modification techniques, incorporate reinforcing additives, and conduct large-scale production assessments to fully realize the potential of modified cassava starch as a sustainable alternative to synthetic adhesives.