Investigatory Project

Name of Members March 13, 2014

• Retaña, Juan Miguel R. Mr. John Mark Doria

• Santiago, Raphaelle

• Sendon, Ma. Gemma Rose R.

• Tobillo, Regine Aila P.

9-St. John

Title: Tapioca (Cassava Starch) as alternative main component for making

biodegradable plastic

Abstract
Does the Tapioca (Cassava Starch) have an effect for making biodegradable plastic?

For making the starch,

First, slice the cassava into cubes (small pieces) then after slicing the cassava;
blend it until the cassava is crushed. Then transfer the blended cassava to a bowl. Using
another bowl, they filter the cassava by transferring it into a new bowl with a cloth on
the top. Let it dry for 3 hours.

For making the ideal biodegradable plastic using the cassava starch,

Add 1 tbsp of starch (cassava) on the pot. Then, add 4 tbsp of water, 1 tsp of
glycerin, 1 tsp of vinegar. Slowly Mix the ingredients (don’t open yet the stove). When
you open the stove and mix it slowly. After mixing it should look like a clear, sticky jelly-
like. Spread it to any kind of pan and wait until it becomes hard. Peel it off and a
plastic should be made.

After the experiment they found out that the cassava starch can be an ideal
component of biodegradable plastic. But still there are some differences when they
Tapioca (Cassava Starch) as alternative main component for making biodegradable 1
plastic
compare the cassava plastic from the original plastic that some of us are using every
day. Their cassava plastic is not that durable and when compared to the original
plastic, the original plastic is softer than their cassava plastic.

Chapter I
• Introduction

Plastics became one of the main problems in our society and it has
played as part of our daily lives. Some articles are shown how dangerous
plastics are and that plastic materials in landfills sink in harmful chemicals into
groundwater. Chemicals added to plastics are dangerously absorbed by
humans like altering hormones. They are everywhere and globally we use
more than a million tons of plastic each year. The environmental impacts
resulting from the accumulation of plastic waste are huge and increasing.
Plastic affects wildlife, human health, and the environment. The millions of tons
of plastic bottles, bags, and garbage in the Philippines especially in the bodies
of water are breaking down and leaching toxins posing a threat to marine life
and human.

Manihot Esculenta, also called yuca, mogo, manioc and mandioca, is

extensively cultivated as an annual crop in tropical and subtropical regions for
its edible starchy, tuberous root, a major source of carbohydrates. Cassava,
when dried to a starchy, powdery (or pearly) extract is called tapioca. It can
also use to make biodegradable plastics.

According to the researchers' project, they are planning to make a

biodegradable plastic that will help in their daily lives, to avoid causing harms
and for our environment as well. According to them, plastics can be made
through starch and it has polymers which is suitable for plastics because
plastics are made from polymers. They will be able to get starch from cassavas
so our main component for making biodegradable plastics is the Cassava
Starch (Tapioca)

• Statement of the Problem

Does the Tapioca (Cassava Starch) have an effect for making

biodegradable plastic?

Tapioca (Cassava Starch) as alternative main component for making biodegradable 2

plastic
 • Hypothesis

The Tapioca (Cassava Starch) as main component has an effect for

making biodegradable plastic.

• Significance of the Study

The significance of researchers' study is for the people to know; what

are the other materials that can be used as alternative main component of
biodegradable plastic. This study is important to be able to help Mother Earth
in reducing its pollutants and toxic or harmful wastes. Through this study, the
researchers will be able to help other people, the animals and the
environment. Biodegradable plastics could be an effective solution to all of
these problems. Biodegradable plastics are a much better choice than non
biodegradable plastics because they are friendlier to the earth and the
environment. Biodegradable plastics break down faster, can be recycled
easier and are non-toxic. With these characteristics of biodegradable plastics,
we could help save lives and the environment as well and reduce the threat
plastics give to marine life.

• Scope and Limitations

In making the biodegradable plastic, they used the cassava starch by

extracting it from the cassava itself. They also found out that any kind of starch
will do but the cassava starch itself is their focus.

In the experiment, it does not include other plastic materials such as

plastic cups, plastic container or any plastic utensils. It only covers plastic bags
that can be used in markets. Most of the materials used in their experiments
can be seen in nearby stores or supermarkets.

• Definition of Terms

• Amylose – a component of starch characterized by its straight chains of

glucose units

• Amylopectin – a large, highly-branched molecule of glucose units.

Tapioca (Cassava Starch) as alternative main component for making biodegradable 3

plastic
 • Polymer – a substance that has a molecular structure built up chiefly or
completely from a large number of similar units bonded together.

• Manihot Esculenta – is a perennial woody shrub with an edible root, which

grows in tropical and subtropical areas of the world.

• Tapioca - the extracted starch from the cassava.

Chapter II
Review of Related Literature

Cassava root is eaten as a vegetable, and as it toxic raw it is eaten after cooking.
It is also used as a source of starch or to make flour. The root may also be used in the
production of ethanol. Cassava hay is used as an animal feed or in the production of
adhesives, textiles and cosmetics.

Cassava is grown for its enlarged starch-filled roots, which contains nearly the
maximum theoretical concentration of starch on a dry weight basis among food crops.
Fresh roots contain about 30% starch and very little protein. Roots are prepared much like
potato. They can be peeled and boiled, baked, or fried. It is not recommended to eat
cassava uncooked, because of potentially toxic concentrations of cyanogenic
glucosides that are reduced to innocuous levels through cooking. In traditional settings
of the Americas, roots are grated and the sap is extracted through squeezing or pressing.
The cassava is then further dried over a fire to make a meal or fermented and cooked.
The meal can then be rehydrated with water or added to soups or stews. In Africa, roots
are processed in several different ways. They may be first fermented in water. Then they
are either sun-dried for storage or grated and made into dough that is cooked. Alcoholic
beverages can be made from the roots.
Young tender leaves can be used as a potherb, containing high levels of protein
(8-10% F.W.). Prepared in a similar manner as spinach, care should be taken to eliminate
toxic compounds during the cooking process. One clone with variegated leaves is
planted as an ornamental… The shelf life of cassava is only a few days unless the roots
receive special treatment. Removing the leaves two weeks before harvest lengthens the
shelf life to two weeks. Dipping the roots in paraffin or a wax or storing them in plastic
bags reduces the incidence of vascular streaking and extends the shelf life to three or
four weeks. Roots can be peeled and frozen. Traditional methods include packing the
roots in moist mulch to extend shelf life. Dried roots can be milled into flour. Maize may
be added during the milling process to add protein to the flour. The flour can be used for
baking breads. Typically, cassava flour may be used as partial substitute for wheat flour
in making bread. Bread made wholly from cassava has been marketed in the U.S.A. to
meet the needs of people with allergies to wheat flour.

Tapioca (Cassava Starch) as alternative main component for making biodegradable 4

plastic
 Fresh roots can be sliced thinly and deep fried to make a product similar to potato
chips. They can be cut into larger spear-like pieces and processed into a product similar
to French fries.
Roots can be peeled, grated and washed with water to extract the starch which can be
used to make breads, crackers, pasta and pearls of tapioca.
Unpeeled roots can be grated and dried for use as animal feed. The leaves can add
protein to animal feed.
Industrial uses where cassava is used in the processing procedures or manufacture of
products include paper-making, textiles, adhesives, high fructose syrup and alcohol.
Inventions have evolved and continue to evolve such that after several years of
study, research and experimentation reach great developments. With continuing efforts
to investigate the constituents of Philippine plants, we have pursued investigation of
starch of the cassava plant (Manihot esculenta). Cassava tubers were gathered, ground
and squeezed to extract starch. Starch obtained was weighed and divided into three
equal parts; 80 grams in T1, T2 and T3.
Treatments also consisted of 60 ml plastic resin glue and resin with 50 grams of flour
catalyst for T1, 100 grams for T2 and 150 grams in T3. The components in every treatment
were mixed, stirred and then poured in silk screen with oil and then sun-dried. Test for
capacity to carry weight indicated T3 as the best. For its ability to hold water all products
passed but for biodegradability, T1 gave the best results. The tensile
and bending properties had been tested using the Universal Testing Machine and
Analysis showed that T3 had the greatest tensile strength while T2 had the
greatest bending property. Using ANOVA single Factor, results showed that there was
significant difference among the three treatments in bending and tensile strength.
However, for biodegradability test there was no significant difference. The final phase of
the study determined the effectiveness of cassava starch as component of
biodegradable plastic. Results confirmed that cassava starch is ideal as tests proved its
worth.
Bibliography

 Cassava (manioc) | Description, Uses, Propagation, Pests and Diseases. (n.d.), from
https://www.plantvillage.com/topics/cassava-manioc/infos
 Stephen K. O'Hair. (1995). Cassava. Retrieved February 23, 1998, from
http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/cropfactsheets/cassava.html

 Researchers: Daryl S. Romero, Mary Ann L. Tinaja, Clarissa L. Cachero. (n.d.), from
http://www.investigatoryprojectexample.com/biochemistry/cassava-starch-as-
biodegradable-plastic.html

Tapioca (Cassava Starch) as alternative main component for making biodegradable 5

plastic
Chapter III
Methodology

A. Chemicals
a. Water

b. Vinegar

GENERAL INFORMATION

Not expected to be a health hazard when used under normal conditions.

Inhalation: Rinse nose and mouth with water. Get medical attention if any discomfort
continues.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly. Get medical attention if any discomfort continues.
Contact doctor if large quantities have been consumed.
Skin: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash the skin immediately with soap and water.
Get medical attention if any discomfort continues.
Eyes: Make sure to remove any contact lenses from the eyes before rinsing.
Promptly wash eyes with plenty of water while lifting the

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear liquid

Odor: Characteristic
Boiling Point: 100 Deg C.
Solubility: Completely soluble in water

c. Glycerin
Hazard Identification:

Tapioca (Cassava Starch) as alternative main component for making biodegradable 6

plastic
 Emergency overview:

Low hazard for usual industrial handling

Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid

Potential Health Effects:

Eye: May cause eye irritation.

Skin: May cause skin irritation.

Ingestion: Ingestion of large amounts may cause gastro-intestinal

Irritation: May cause headache.

Inhalation: May cause respiratory tract irritation

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL

Physical State: Liquid

Appearance: Clear, colorless

Odor: Faint odor

pH: Not available

Boiling Point: 290°C (554° F)

Freezing/Melting Point: 20°C

Solubility in water: Soluble

Specific Gravity/Density: 1.2607

Molecular Formula: C3H8O3

Tapioca (Cassava Starch) as alternative main component for making biodegradable 7

plastic
 Molecular Weight: 92.1

B. Materials

Materials for making the Cassava starch:

• 2 Cassava Tubers

• Knife

• Chopping board

• Blender

• Any kind of cloth that can be use for filtering

• Bowl

Materials for making the plastic:

• Cassava Starch

• glycerin

• pan

• tray

• vinegar

• teaspoon and tablespoon

• water

C. Procedures

The researchers first made the cassava starch they slice the cassava into
cubes (small pieces) then after slicing the cassava; blend it until the cassava is crushed.
Then transfer the blended cassava to a bowl. Using another bowl, they filter the
cassava by transferring it into a new bowl with a cloth on the top. Let it dry for 3 hours.

After letting dry the cassava starch the researchers made the ideal
biodegradable plastic. They first add 1 tbsp of starch (cassava) on the pot. Then, add 4
tbsp of water, 1 tsp of glycerin, 1 tsp of vinegar. Slowly Mix the ingredients (don’t open
yet the stove). When you open the stove and mix it slowly. After mixing it should look

Tapioca (Cassava Starch) as alternative main component for making biodegradable 8

plastic
like a clear, sticky jelly-like. Spread it to any kind of pan and wait until it becomes hard.
Peel it off and a plastic should be made.

D. Schematic Diagram

Tapioca (Cassava Starch) as alternative main component for making biodegradable 9

plastic
 Tapioca (Cassava Starch) as alternative main component for making biodegradable 10
plastic
Chapter IV
1. Data and results

Hardness Can it be peeled Texture of the final

from the pan product
completely1?
First Trial So hard, not Hard to peel off Very hard, stone-
flexible, stone- like from the pan like, not stretchable
Second Trial Very soft, very Very easy to peel, Very soft, very
flexible that it can but easily break flexible, stretchable
be easily damage into pieces. that it can easily
and break into break into pieces.
pieces
Third Trial Soft, flexible, better They can peel it off Soft, flexible, better
than the second completely but less than the first and
trial, more look like breaking into second trial.
a plastic than the pieces.
first two trial

2. Analysis

After the experiment they found out that the cassava starch can be an ideal
component of biodegradable plastic. But still there are some differences when they
compare the cassava plastic from the original plastic that some of us are using every
day. Their cassava plastic is not that durable and when compared to the original
plastic, the original plastic is softer than their cassava plastic.

3. Interpretation of data

On the first trial the plastic is so hard, not flexible and stone- like. It’s hard to peel off
from the pan and the texture of the product is Very hard, stone-like and not
stretchable. For the second trial the plastic is very soft, very flexible that it can be easily
damage and break into pieces. It’s Very easy to peel, but easily break into pieces. And
the texture of the product is very soft, very flexible, and stretchable that it can easily
break into pieces. And lastly for the third trial the plastic is soft, flexible, and better than
the second trial, more look like a plastic than the first two trials. They can peel it off
completely but less breaking into pieces. And the texture of the product is soft, flexible,
better than the first and second trial. Over all the third trial is the best and can be an
ideal biodegradable plastic.
Tapioca (Cassava Starch) as alternative main component for making biodegradable 11
plastic
Chapter V
1. Summary

When the researchers are starting their experiment, they encounter many
problems like; where they can buy their chemicals, how much will they spend for their
experiment and last, how are they going to make the product itself.

After the experiment they found out that the cassava starch can be an ideal
component of biodegradable plastic. But still there are some differences when they
compare the cassava plastic from the original plastic that some of us are using every
day. Their cassava plastic is not that durable and when compared to the original
plastic, the original plastic is softer than their cassava plastic.

For making the starch,

First, slice the cassava into cubes (small pieces) then after slicing the cassava;
blend it until the cassava is crushed. Then transfer the blended cassava to a bowl. Using
another bowl, they filter the cassava by transferring it into a new bowl with a cloth on
the top. Let it dry for 3 hours.

For making the ideal biodegradable plastic using the cassava starch,

Add 1 tbsp of starch (cassava) on the pot. Then, add 4 tbsp of water, 1 tsp of
glycerin, 1 tsp of vinegar. Slowly Mix the ingredients (don’t open yet the stove). When
you open the stove and mix it slowly. After mixing it should look like a clear, sticky jelly-
like. Spread it to any kind of pan and wait until it becomes hard. Peel it off and a
plastic should be made.

2. Conclusion

The Tapioca (Cassava Starch) has an effect as a substance for making

biodegradable plastic. But it is not that durable compared to the commercial plastic that
the people used in markets.

3. Recommendation

For the students and researchers who wish to conduct the study, they
recommend you not to buy the chemicals namely Polymer Polyester Resin and MEKP
Hardener because they used glycerin as the only chemical. They wasted their time
searching for those chemicals. They also recommend you to use your time wisely.

Tapioca (Cassava Starch) as alternative main component for making biodegradable 12

plastic
 Tapioca (Cassava Starch) as alternative main component for making biodegradable 13
plastic