Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Division of San Pablo City
Col. Lauro D. Dizon Memorial National High School
S.Y. 2017-2018

Utilization of Cassava Peel as Starch-based Bioplastic

Ma. Dezalene G. Cierte

Christel S. Broce
Mary Bea Nathalia C. Cuentas
Proponent

Submitted in the fulfillment of the requirements in Research II

Col Lauro D. Dizon Memorial national High School

San Pablo City

MS. NERISSA D. HERRERA

Research Adviser
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Plastics are vital asset for humanity, often providing functionality that cannot be easily or

economically replaced by other materials and most of them are robust and last for hundreds of

years. Some plastics leach small amounts of pollutants, including endocrine disruptors, into the

environment causing severe effects on animals and humans. Substantial amounts of toxic

chemicals are used in manufacturing these plastics. Also, plastic industries are large amounts of

energy usually from fossil fuel sources which aff to the world's production of greenhouse gas and

can further increase global warming (Carbon Commentary). This is just some of the numerous

disadvantages or bad eefects of using plastics.

The major occupation in the Philippines is agriculture due to its tropical climate and one

of its most abundant crop is cassava. Its production posted an average annual growth rate of 4.13

percent over the past ten (10) years from 2004 to 2013. The country produced 2,361,561 metric

tons of cassava in 2013 (Costs and Return of Cassava Production, 2014). Production of plants

and various types of trees can be useful on creating our primary things and needs enough to

throw away its parts that are unuseful.

The world needs to find solution that gives us continued access to plastics but avoid those

serious problems and bioplastics is an effective way of keeping the huge advantages of

conventional plastics but mitigating their disadvantages. Also, starch is the most significant raw
material resource of bioplastic (BIOPLASTICS). In kWh per 1000 kg of cassava peel starch

have produced and for this reason it is applicable for production of bioplastic.

Cassava peel being a waste in the industry is sometimes used in creating feeds to raise

animals. We'll make a starch-based bioplastic to handle this cassava and make it more useful.

These materials are suitable for disposable items, such as packaging, drink bottles, single-use

food container and cutlery. They are more sustainable because they save fossil fuel resources

and, if disposed of appropriately, support further plant growth. It can minimize the production of

greenhouse gases in our country and in the world rather.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This study focuses on making a cassava peel starch-based bioplastic which can be an

alternative plastic. Specifically, this will answer the following questions:

1. Is there a significant difference between the bioplastic made of cassava peel and

chemicals in terms of its various ratio when it comes to tensile strength?

2. Which of the three ratios (starch : chemical) will have the highest quality when it comes

to tensile strength, thickness and solubility?

a. 25%:75%

b. 50%:50%

c. 75%:25%
HYPOTHESES

We formulated the following alternative hypothesis to be able answer the aforementioned in

the study:

1. There is no significant difference between the bioplastic made of cassava peel and

chemicals in terms of its various ratio when it comes to tensile strength.

2. The ratio 50%:50% has the highest quality in terms of tensile strength, thickness and

solubility.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The essence of this study is to provide plastic with non-environmental effects which uses

the waste product of cassava industry, cassava peel. In this way, it can contribute to climate

protection, save fossil resources and create jobs in future oriented sectors (Heinz Zourek). Since

the 1980's more people shifted to disposable habits and consumption of throwaway plastics. We

see it being used daily and in mass quantities as take-out containers at restaurants, as coffee cups

in the office, and as packing material. We use plastics for just about anything because it's cheap,

effective, and lightweight which complements to our instant way of life. Plastic bags, styrofoam

and other to-go containers are now the primary mode of packing and transporting food (The

Positive Impact Of Biodegradable Products On Our Eco-System). The bioplastic can be a

replacement because of its characteristic that can biodegrade under certain environmental

conditions. These materials are suitable for disposable items and if disposed of appropriately,

support further plant growth (Bioplastics).

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

This study focused on testing the quality of making bioplastic made of cassava peel

based on its tensile strength, thickness and solubility. It did not compare to other commercialized

plastics. It was conducted on the Science Laboratory of Col. Lauro D. Dizon Memorial National

High school.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

The terms used in the study are operationally defined as follows:

Cassava peel- it can represent 5 to 15% of the root (Aro et al., 2010; Nwokoro et al., 2005a).

They are obtained after the tubers have been water-cleansed and peeled mechanically (Aro et

al., 2010). They may contain high amounts of cyanogenic glycosides and have higher protein

content than other tuber parts (Tewe, 2004).

Commercial plastics- material consisting of any of a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic

organic compounds that are malleable and so can be molded into solid objects.

Endorine disruptors- are chemicals that can interfere with endocrine systems at certain doses.

These disruptions can cause cancerous tumors, birth defects, and other developmental disorders.

Tensile Strength- usually used on this web site, related to plasticizer amount), elongation

(“flexibility ” as usually used on this web site, also related to plasticizer), tear resistance (your

“tearing strength”), folding endurance (how many times it can be folded and unfolded before

breaking?).
Solubility- the quality or state of being and the amount of a substance that will dissolve in a

given amount of another substance.

Starch- an odorless tasteless white substance occurring widely in plant tissue and obtained

chiefly from cereals and potatoes. It is a polysaccharide that functions as a carbohydrate store

and is an important constituent of the human diet.

 CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDY

Review of Related Literature

Plastic

It refers to material that is capable of being moulded. Historically, this included plastic
materials from natural sources, such as animal horn, amber and shellac. However, with the rapid
expansion of petrochemical-based plastics after World War II, plastics made from natural
resources declined, and the term ‘plastic’ now generally refers to synthetic plastics.

Bioplastic

It is a plastic material that is either biodegradable or derived from renewable resources or

both. Currently, petrochemical-based plastics make up 99% of the plastics market. However,
production of bioplastics is predicted to increase to between 10% and 30% of the total plastics
market by 2020.

Review of Related Study

Bioplastics contribute to climate protection, save fossil resources and create jobs in future

Bioplastics are evolving rapidly. As the range of materials and markets continue to
expand, the potential implications for the waste industry are undergoing close scrutiny.
According to Heinz Zourek at the first European Bioplastics Conference last November 2006,
Bioplastics contribute to climate protection, save fossil resources and create jobs in future. The
use of bioplastics is becoming more common in the packaging industry and in the manufacture
of catering and hygiene products.
The Positive Impact Of Biodegradable Products On Our Eco-System

Plastics are needed on our daily lives. We use it for just about anything because it's
cheap, effective, and lightweight which complements to our instant way of life. Plastic bags,
styrofoam and other to-go containers are now the primary mode of packing and transporting
food. Our attitude to appealing presentation also made us love to choose food items with
appealing packaging.

Starch as a Significant Raw Material

Starch consists of two components, the branched polymerised amylopectin, which is the
principal component and which encases the unbranched amylase. The best plasticiser for starch
is water at a concentration of 45% and other plasticisers that can be used are glycerine, sorbitol,
etc.

Bioplastics: an important component of global sustainability

The world needs to find a solution that gives us continued access to plastics but avoids
these serious problems. Bioplastics - partly or wholly made from biological materials and not
crude oil - represent an effective way of keeping the huge advantages of conventional plastics
but mitigating their disadvantages. A bioplastic is a plastic that is made partly or wholly from
polymers derived from biological sources such as sugar cane, potato starch or the cellulose from
trees, straw and cotton. It can generally be directly substituted for their oil-based equivalent.
Going Bananas!-Using Banana Peels in the Production of Bio-Plastic As A Replacement of

the Traditional Petroleum Based Plastic

A developed method by Elif Bilgin, where banana peel was used as the raw material for

the making of bioplastic combined with HCl, NaOH, and glycerine. Bioplastic was a new

concept that continue to widen through the years. This research also produce a method of a non-

decaying bioplastic. Addition or use of 0.5% solution of Na2S2O5 can make this possible. It uses

different testing techniques to measure the strength, thickness and shelf life.

Production of Starch Based Bioplastic from Cassava Peel Reinforced with Microcrystalline

Celllulose Avicel PH101 Using Sorbitol as Plasticizer

The production of starch based bioplastics from cassava peel reeinforced with

microcrystalline cellulose using sorbitol as plasticizer were investigated. Physical properties of

bioplastics were determined by density, water uptake, tensile strength and Fourier Transform

Infrared Spectroscopy. Bioplastics were prepared from cassava peel starch plasticized using

sorbitol with variation of 20; 25; 30% (wt/v of sorbitol to starch) reinforced with microcrystalline

celllulose (MCC) Avicel PH101 fillers with range of 0 to 6% (wt/wt of MCC to starch).
 CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

PREPARATION OF MATERIALS

We need cassava peel and the chemical; Hydrochloride (HCl), Glycerine and Sodium

Hydroxide (NaOH) that can obtain in the barangays and in the laboratory. The equipments that

will be used in making the bioplastic are oven, beaker, hand blender, stirring rod, and petri dish.

PREPARATION OF CASSAVA PEEL STARCH

The beaker was filled with distilled water and placed over a Bunsen Burner. The 500 g.

of cassava peel were placed in the beaker and were boiled for about 5 minutes so that it will

soften a bit. After the boiling process, remove the water and blender the cassava peel until it is

grinded. It can be associated with water but use only as little as possible. Separate the chaff from

the cassava blend using the chiffon cloth. Rinse with clean water until all the starch has been

washed off the chaff. Leave the starch in the bowl for 3 hours and it will settle at the bottom.

Subsequently, decant the water and pour the watery starch in a container. Put it inside the

refrigerator and wait until the starch become solid.

PRODUCTION OF BIOPLASTIC

The 25 g. of cassava peel paste was placed in each of the 2, 50 ml beaker. The 3 ml of

HCl was added and the mixture was mixed using a glass stirring rod. The 2 ml of glycerine was

added to each beaker and the mixture was stirred again. The 3ml NaOH was added and the

mixture was stirred once more. The mixture was poured into petri dish in the oven at 130 C and

baked for half an hour.

 The process will be repeated while using 8 ml of cassava peel paste then 2.7 ml of

cassava peel paste to prove the most effective ratio in the experiment.

TESTING THE BIOPLASTIC

Test for Strength

The strength of the bioplastic was determined by attaching a spring balance on both sides

and determining how much force it can handle. The process was repeated three times and the

result was recorded.

Test for Thickness

The thickness is measure by using a ruler and measuring how thick it is.

Test for Solubility

Film was put in a container filled with 50 ml distilled water. After immersion in water,

film was observed for its quality until it is liquefied. Then the no. of hours until it is dissolved

was recorded.

DATA GATHERING PROCEDURE

The quality and effectiveness of bioplastic were determined by acquiring its tensile

strength, thickness and solubility. Several tests were performed to check what ratio will be the

most effective in making bioplastic from the raw materials. The test for tensile strength was
done by pulling both sides by spring balance, measuring thickness by a ruler and soaking the

bioplastic in distilled water.

STATISTICAL TREATMENT OF DATA

To test the significant difference between the bioplastic made of cassava peel and the

three chemicals within the 3 ratio, 25%:75%, 50%:50% and 75%:25% respectively in terms of

tensile strength, ANOVA was used. We don’t test for the thickness and solubility because it is

not applicable for this.

 FLOW CHART

Collection and Preparation of Materials

Bioplastic Making

Testing the Bioplastic

Data Gathering and Procedure

Statistical Treatment
 CHAPTER 4

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

RESULT

After the bioplastic undergone different tests. Below are the results:

Table 1: 1st Trial 2nd Trial 3rd Trial Average

Test for
Strength Right Left Right Left Right Left
Setup 1
3.2 N 3.2 N 1.4 N 1.3 N 1.5 N 2.4 N 2.17 N
(25:75)
Setup 2
4N 3.7 N 3.5 N 3.3 N 3.1 N 3N 3.43 N
(50:50)
Setup 3
4N 4.5 N 4N 4.4 N 4.1 N 4.6 N 4.27 N
(75:25)

The table above shows the result for the tensile strength for three trials. The setup 3 with

the ratio 75%:25% has the highest average strength of 4.27 N, next is setup 2 with the ratio of

50%:50% and average strength of 3.43 N and setup 1 has the least strength of 2.17 N with the

ratio of 25%:75%.

The data in the box below shows the summary and result of the statistical analysis for the strength.

Anova: Single
Factor

SUMMARY
Groups Count Sum Average Variance SD
SET UP 1 6 13 2.17 0.72 0.85
SET UP 2 6 20.6 3.43 0.14 0.38
SET UP 3 6 25.6 4.27 0.09 0.31

ANOVA
 Source of
Variation SS Df MS F P-value F crit
Between Groups 13.4178 2 6.71 20.97 0.00 3.68
Within Groups 4.8 15 0.32

Total 18.2178 17

Result/Interpretation:

Reject the null hypothesis.

Since the p-value is 0.00, there is a significant difference between the ratios of bioplastic made
from cassava peel in terms of tensile strength.

Table 2: Test for thickness Thickness

Setup 1 (25%:75%) 1 mm
Setup 2 (50%:50%) 1 mm
Setup 3 (75%:25%) 1 mm
Table 2 shows that the three setup with different ratio such as 25:75, 50:50, and 75:25

have the same thickness which is 1 mm.

Table 3: Test for Solubility Time

Setup 1 (25%:75%) 12 hours
Setup 2 (50%:50%) 18 hours
Setup 3 (75%:25%) 24 hours
Table 3 shows that setup 3 has the longest number of hours to be liquefied with 24 hours,

next is setup 2 with 18 hours, and least is setup 1 with 12 hours.

 DISCUSSION

From the result on Table 1, it was stated that setup 3 with the ratio 75%:25% has the

highest average strength. This indicates that the more cassava was used, the stronger the

bioplastic will be since the setup with the highest average strength has the highest amount of

cassava paste among the three. The higher the strength, the longer the plastic can be used

considering that there is no other process it will undertake. It is also stated in the statistical

analysis that there is a significant difference between the three ratios of bioplastic. For the results

in Table 2, it indicates that the thickness doesn’t affect the strength and other quality of the

bioplastic because the three ratios have the same result which is 1 mm. The thickness is suited

for the bioplastic to be strong and not break for a period of time. If the thickness was increased, it

will not solidify after baking unless it will be soft and paste-like material. Lastly, in Table 3, it

shows that the more cassava paste was used, the longer time it will be liquefied. The setup 3 with

the highest amount of cassava paste dissolves in the longest period of time. Dissolving of the

bioplastic has a positive effect because it is easier to dispose than the other plastic and it won’t be

a problem to our environment.

 CHAPTER 5

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

The research concentrated on finding a substitute material for the commercial plastic to

recover the waste material and project a good outcome. From the data, the 75%:25% is the most

effective from other ratio in terms of tensile strength and solubility. There is a significant

difference between the ratios of bioplastic made from cassava peel in terms of tensile strength.

Therefore, the ratio affects how long it will break. There is no significant difference between the

ratios of bioplastic made from cassava peel in terms of thickness. Therefore, it won’t affect the

quality of the bioplastic. There is significant difference between the ratios of bioplastic made

from cassava peel in terms of solubility. Therefore, the ratio affects the time the bioplastic

dissolves.

In conclusion, the research data does not support the hypothesis that there is no

significant difference between the bioplastic made of cassava peel and chemicals in terms of

its various ratio when it comes to tensile strength. The ratio used in making bioplastic may

vary in the quality of the product.

RECOMMENDATION

Use other type of chemicals or plasticizer to have a better result of the study. Measure its

shelf life as one of the tests to know how long the bioplastic will decay. Have a more definite

ratio to obtain an accurate data. Create 3-5 replicates of each setup to have more comparisons.
 APPENDIX A

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN DIAGRAM

TITLE: The Utilization of Cassava Peel as a Starch-Based Bioplastic

HYPOTHESIS: There is no significant difference between the bioplastic made of cassava peel in

terms of its various ratio.

INDEPENDENT VARIABLE: Ratio of Cassava Peel to Chemicals

25%:75% 50%:50% 75%:25%

(Cassava Peel and (Cassava Peel and (Cassava Peel and

Chemicals) Chemicals) Chemicals)

DEPENDENT VARIABLE: the effectiveness of different ratio in making bioplastic in terms of

Tensile Strength, thickness and solubility.

CONSTANT VARIABLE: Temperature, Amount of Chemicals and Equipments

 APPENDIX B

Making of bioplastic.

Preparation of the Cassava Paste

Combining with chemicals

Preparing for baking

 Testing for Tensile Strength of the Setups

Setup 1

Setup 2

Setup 3

Solubility

Setup 1 Setup 2
Setup 1 Setup 2
Setup 1

Setup 3
Setup 3
Setup 3 Setup 2

After 12 hours After 18 hours After 24 hours

 FINAL PRODUCT

Setup 1

Setup 2

Setup 3
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Goodall, C. (2011). Carbon Commentary. Date Retrieved: December 9, 2017. From

https://www.carboncommentary.com/blog/2011/09/02/bioplastics-an-important-component-of-
global-sustainability

Graichen, F. (2013). Bioplastic- Science Learning Hub. Date Retrieved: December 9, 2017. From
https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/1474-bioplastics

Jozefek, J. (2013). Biofocals: The short- and long-term impacts of bioplastics on the waste industry. Date
Retrieved: December 9, 2017. From https://waste-management-world.com/a/biofocals-the-short-
and-long-term-impacts-of-bioplastics-on-the-waste-industry

Lebas, F., Porphyre, V. (2012). Cassava peels, cassava pomace and other cassava by-products. Date
Retrieved: December 9, 2017. From https://www.feedipedia.org/node/526

Ocampo, V. (2017). Cost and Returns of Cassava Prodction. Date Retrieved: December 9, 2017. From
https://www.psa.gov.ph/tags/costs-and-returns-cassava-production

Rohstoffe, F. (2014). Bioplastic. Date Retrieved: December 9, 2017. From

https://mediathek.fnr.de/media/downloadable/files/samples/b/r/brosch.biokunststoffe-web-
v01_1.pdf

Savannah. (20016). The Positive Effects of Biodegradable Products On Our Eco-System. Date Retrieved:
December 9, 2017. From http://savannahnaturehouse.com/the-positive-impact-of-biodegradable-
products.php
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The researchers would like to extend their gratitude to the people who worked and
helped them and encourage them to do their best. This research wouldn’t be possible without
them.

First of all, they are giving thanks to the Lord our God for the knowledge and talents
given to them. He serves as an inspiration to continue and face those challenges with
determination and unity in the group.

Next, they like to give thanks to Mr. Noriel E. Reyes, the research previous adviser
that encourages them to start the idea. He gave them determination and encouraged them to
pursue it.

Big thanks to Ms. Nerissa D. Herrera, research adviser and also the classroom
adviser, for her unconditional support and additional ideas. Her advises bring out the best out of
the research.

They also give thanks to Mr. Ian Villareal for assisting them on their statistical
analysis. The results, conclusions and other fact-related parts wouldn’t have given if without his
help.

Lastly, they give their gratitude to their parents for their support, both moral and
financial. Their encouragement pushes the researchers to work more and be focused on the study.
 ABSTRACT

The research study was performed to produce a starch- based bioplastic using the cassava

peel, which has a high content of starch. The world needs to find solution that gives us continued

access to plastics but avoids those serious problems and bioplastics is an effective way of

keeping the huge advantages of conventional plastics but mitigating their disadvantages. Also,

starch is the most significant raw material resource of bioplastic (BIOPLASTICS).

The researcher used 3 ratio, 25%:75%, 50%:50% and 75%:25% respectively in terms of

tensile strength, ANOVA was used. The 25 g. of cassava peel paste was placed in each of the 2,

50 ml beaker. The 3 ml of HCl was added and the mixture was mixed using a glass stirring rod.

The 2 ml of glycerine was added to each beaker and the mixture was stirred again. The 3ml

NaOH was added and the mixture was stirred once more. The process will be repeated while

using 8 ml of cassava peel paste then 2.7 ml of cassava peel paste to prove the most effective

ratio in the experiment.

This study focused on testing the quality of making bioplastic made of cassava peel

based on its tensile strength, thickness and solubility. The 75% : 25% (starch : chemicals) is the

most effective from other ratio in terms of tensile strength and solubility. The thickness doesn’t

affect the study because they were all 1 cm. It was observed that the more cassava was used, the

stronger the bioplastic will be since the setup with the highest average strength has the highest

amount of cassava paste among the three. Therefore, the higher the strength, the longer the

plastic can be used considering that there is no other process it will undertake.

Keyword: bioplastic, tensile strength, solubility

 Curriculum Vitae

Name: Ma. Dezalene G. Cierte

Address: Brgy. Sta. Catolina, San Pablo City

Mobile Number: 09124153987

PERSONAL PROFILE

Nickname: Deza

Date of Birth: September 18, 2002

Age: 15

Height: 150 cm

Weight: 55 kg

Religion: Catholic

Citizenship: Filipino

Languange: Tagalog

Father’s Name: Galileo G. Cierte

Occupation: Store Owner

Mother’s name: Mylene G. Cierte

Occupation: Barangay Nutrition Scholar

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Elementary: Sta. Catalina Elementary School

Junior High School: Col. Lauro D. Dizon Memorial National High School
 Curriculum Vitae

Name: Mary Bea Nathalia C. Cuentas

Address: Brgy. Sta. Elena, San Pablo City

Mobile Number: 09081579332

PERSONAL PROFILE

Nickname: Bea

Date of Birth: September 08, 2001

Age: 16

Height: 156 cm

Weight: 53 kg

Religion: Catholic

Citizenship: Filipino

Languange: Tagalog

Father’s Name: Onofre A. Cuentas

Occupation: Laborer

Mother’s name: Wevina C. Cuentas

Occupation: Housewife

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Elementary: Placido Escudero Memorial School

Junior High School: Col. Lauro D. Dizon Memorial National High School
 Curriculum Vitae

Name: Christel S. Broce

Address: Brgy. Del Remedio, San Pablo City

Mobile Number: 09289134447

PERSONAL PROFILE

Nickname: Christel

Date of Birth: September 22, 2001

Age: 16

Height: 148 cm

Weight: 56 kg

Religion: Catholic

Citizenship: Filipino

Languange: Tagalog

Father’s Name: Anthony R. Broce

Occupation: Deceased

Mother’s name: Rowena S. Broce

Occupation: Housewife

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Elementary: Del Remedio Elementary School

Junior High School: Col. Lauro D. Dizon Memorial National High School