Cassava (Manihot esculenta) starch as a Component for Bioplastic

A Research Problem Presented to the Faculty of the Science Department

PARDO NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Poblacion Pardo, Cebu City

In Fulfillment of the Requirements in Research II

By

Pardoncillo, Samantha Nicole D.

Undang, Kimberly P.

Villanueva, Jamila

February 2017
 Dedication

The researchers would like to dedicate their work to their family and

friends. A special feeling of gratitude to our loving parents whose words of

encouragement have encouraged us to strive harder and push for tenacity which

ring in our ears. We are very fortunate to have such people in our lives. For all

the people that showers us with support and encouragement to persuade this

study thank you very much for your outmost support. You don’t know how

grateful we are having such people in our side to support us always in times of

difficulties and to those teachers who continue to support us in easy and hard

times while doing this study.

This dedication is specially made for people who continue to inspire us

and gave us assurance that this study will be a success. Every negative

comments from them is never an hindrance in this study so once again thank you

very much.
 Acknowledgement

Primarily we would like to thank God for being able to complete this

project with

outmost success. Then we would like to thank our research teacher Mrs.

Gretchen Juntilla, Mrs. Grezyl Comaingking-Villarosa and to our teachers, who’s

valuable guidance has been the ones that helped us patch this project and make

it full proof success. Their suggestions has served as the major contributor

towards the completion of the project.

Then we would like to thank our parents and friends who have helped us

with their valuable suggestions and guidance has been helpful in various phases

of the completion of the project.

Last but not the least we would like to thank our best friends and

classmates who have helped us a lot wherein they were trying to encourage us

to strive harder on conducting this study.

 Abstract

It is tough to exaggerate the significance of the environment to

sustainable development. Bioplastics made with renewable resources are now

ready for full commercial exploitation. Starch-based plastics are an important

class of bioplastic are an important class of bioplastics used to make

biodegradable products. Biodegradability can contribute to alleviating the waste

problem of our current society. Biodegradable products can both reduce the

amount of waste produced and increase material recycling and landfill diversion.

Due to the high demand of Commercial based-plastic, the researches

come up with an idea on fabricating Bioplastic which is an eco-friendly product

wherein all the components are organic, much cheaper than the petroleum-

based plastics.

After testing the bioplastic as a replacement for petroleum-based

plastics, therefore we conclude that bioplastic is more eco-friendly than the

commercial based plastics wherein it acts like a commercial based plastic.

List of Tables

CHAPTER III

Table 3.1 The Set – ups

Group/Set Up Treatment Parameter

Positive
(Control) Commercial Plastic

Experimental Group Cassava Glycerin Vinegar Water Temperature, weather

A 50 20 mL 10 mL 50 mL condition, presence of
grams pests and place of drying

Experimental Group
B 50 15 mL 10 mL 50 mL
grams

Experimental Group
C 50 10 mL 10 mL 50 mL
grams
CHAPTER IV

Table 4.1 Manual Testing for the Durability of the Bio-plastic

Set-up Observation Properties of Bio-plastic

(Mixture) (After Drying for 1 Day)

Folding Tear Acidity Test

Color Texture Endurance Resistance Vinegar Catsup Soy

Sauce
A Dirty Sticky Won’t Easily No No No

White and easily Torn Reaction Reaction Reaction

Oily break

B Dirty Sticky Won’t Easily No No No

White and easily Torn Reaction Reaction Reaction

Oily break

C Dirty Sticky Won’t Easily No No No

White and easily Torn Reaction Reaction Reaction

Oily break
List of Figures

Conceptual Framework

Input Process
• Alternative • Extraction Output
Plastic
• Mixing  Decrease the
(Cassava Starch) number of
• Heating non-
• Durable
biodegradabl
Enough in • Drying
e plastics
holding liquid
or solid • Testing Of
substances Property
Flow Chart of the Procedure

Gathering of Materials

Extracting of the Cassava

Mixing of the Components

Heating of the Mixture

Drying the Bio - Plastic

Testing the Properties of the

Bio- Plastic Container

Observation

Conclusion
 Table of Contents

Dedication ………………………….. i

Acknowledgements ………………………….. ii

Abstract …………………………..

iii

List of Tables …………………………..

iv

List of Figures …………………………..

Table of Contents …………………………..

vi

Chapter 1: The Problem and its Scope

Rationale of the Study

Statement of the Problem

Statement of the Hypotheses

Significance of the Study

Scopes and Limitations

Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature

Review of Related Literature

Conceptual Framework

Definition of Terms

Chapter 3: Research Methodology

Research Design

Research Materials

Research Materials

Research Environment

Flow Chart of the Study

Statistical Treatment

Chapter 4: Results, Analysis and interpretation of Data

Results, Analyses and interpretation

Using Tables

Chapter 5: Summary of Findings, Conclusions and Recommendation

Summary of Findings

Conclusions
 Recommendations

Bibliography

Documentation

Curriculum Vitae
 CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

Introduction

Most of us are aware of how long will a petroleum-based plastics live.

We’ve also seen petroleum-based plastics along roadsides, lakes and even in

ocean. Plastics are number one contributors to climate change especially non-

biodegradable plastic that can only be degraded after millions of years.

Unfortunately, the conventional plastic completely break down for so many years

and no one has really measure how long it takes and until now it still remain as a

mystery. Plastic pollutes the air in much the same way it taints water supplies.

(Retrieved from: http://www.motherearthnews.com/nature-and-

environment/environmental-policy/biodegradable-plastics-zmaz10jjzraw.aspx on

March 11,2016)

Now it is our effort to stop plastic pollution by fabricating Biodegradable

Plastics. Biodegradable Plastics are made from all natural plant materials. These

can include corn oil, banana peelings, orange peels, starch and plants so it can

be decomposed easily. Some new “Bio-plastic” claim to be “one hundred percent

(100 %) compostable” but testing commissioned, new reveals that most of these

claims are misleading at best.

We all know that plastics are important in our daily life from drinking cups

and disposable silverware to parts for automobiles and motorcycles. Plastics had
been made up for about 20% by volume waste per year. But people don’t

consider the effect if the use of petroleum-based plastics continue.

(Retrieved from: http://plastic-pollution.org/ on August 25, 2016 )

The cassava is rich in starch. The starch is a polymer made by plants to

store energy. It is the chief storage form of carbohydrate in plants. It is an

important stuff and is used in adhesives and sizes, in laundering and in

pharmacy and medicine.

(Retrieved from: http://www.pyroenergen.com/articles08/cassava-cyanide-

poisoning.htm on August 25, 2016)

Background of the Study

Due to the overwhelming demand of plastic bag production and its effects

on our environment, our landfills are filled with these non-biodegradable

materials. But people don’t consider the effect if the use of petroleum-based

plastics continue.

Substances used in the manufacturing brought various harmful chemicals

which worsen. As the destructive compounds such as Chloroflourocarbon

(CFCs) were introduced, it is a very harmful substance that can affect our ozone

layer, then the Ozone Depletion starts. However, scientists and nature

preservers are trying to make resolutions on how to lessen those harmful

substances that can affect our nature.

Commercial plastics aren’t good to our environment because it can cause

air pollution when it is burned for it releases harmful substances like Carbon

monoxide (CO), dioxin, and furans. Dioxin and Furans are known for causing

cancer. Getting rid of plastics is extremely difficult.

(Retrieved from: http://www.ejnet.org/dioxin/ on August 25, 2016 )

To recompense for the damages we’ve done, eco products were released.

These Eco products were produced to lessen the perilous effect to our nature.

These are commonly made of recycled and/or natural organic materials such as

Bio-plastic. They utilize nature’s abundant supplies to substitute our plastics. One

example would be the “Biodegradable plastic bags or Bio-plastics” made from the

starch of Cassavas. The new plastic has been able to capture the interests of

buyers, enabling it to advocate the benefits and obvious effects one can receive

from using an eco-friendly product. This is why the researchers come up with the

idea on fabricating bio-plastic that is made from Cassava (Manihot esculenta)

starch that is an eco-friendly product to regain the damages we’ve done.

(Retrieved from: http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/25-green-eco-friendly-

products.php on August 25, 2016 )

Statement of the Problem

In making this study, there are problems that we should consider. Here

are some of the questions that guide the remarks;

1. What is the appropriate proportion of components to come up with a

good quality bio-plastic?

 2. How much weight can the bio-plastic hold?

3. Can the bio-plastic resist folding, stretching and acid tests?

4. Which of the 3 (three) Set-ups has the fastest decomposition rate?

Statement of Hypothesis

𝐻𝑎1 : The appropriate proportion of components to come up with a good

quality bio-plastic is 50g of cassava starch, 50mlL of water, 10mL of vinegar and

10mL of glycerin.

𝐻𝑎2 : Bio-plastic can hold 0.25 Kilograms or 250 grams.

𝐻𝑎3 : The bio-plastic can resists folding, stretching and in acid tests.

𝐻𝑎4 : The Set-up A which is composed of 20mL glycerin of cassava starch

has the highest decomposition rate.

Significance of the Study

The following can benefit from this study:

Environment. The researchers conducted this study to bring back the old

Earth because in that time the Earth is not yet harmed nor destroyed. Bio-plastic

take only couple of months to decompose.

Animals. Through this study, we can lessen the number of death in

animals because of suffocation.

 People. Through this study, we can lessen the hazardous effect that can

cause numerous of diseases to humans like Carbon monoxide (CO) that are

dangerous to our health and it is the major cause of Cancer.

Scope and Limitations of the Study

This study is conducted to test whether the cassava starch can be an

effective component in making bio-plastic. The purpose of this study is to lessen

non-biodegradable plastic and aims to improve our environment as well as to

assure healthy human conditions.

There are factors that can affect in conducting this study like weather

condition, presence of pests, place of drying. The weather condition kay affect

our study through the place of drying. These factors are needed to be observed

including the right ratio or amount of each component of this study.

 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Biodegradable plastics are one of the most significant improvements in

helping the environment from pollution. These kinds of plastics can degrade

easily chemically or physically. Unlike the other kinds of plastics like Polyethylene

Terephthalate or Polyvinyl Chloride, biodegradable plastics degrade faster

(Blanco et al, 2009)

Many shopping bags are plolythylene or non-biodegradable but scientists

had developed biodegradable shopping bags that are composed of starch

derived from corn, potato, or wheat blended with polyester (polylactic acid)

(James and Grant 2003). Traditional polymers made from petroleum-based

materials are slowly being replaced by plastics produce from renewable sources

such as corn in some food and grocery applications.

(Retrieved from: axom.com on August 25, 2016)

Scientists incorporate starch molecules into some plastics resins during

manufacturing process. These plastics are biodegradable starch-based

polymers. The starch makes these kinds of plastics biodegradable because

bacteria and fungi use starch as carbon source (www.tradevv.com). It is

composed of thermoplastic starch blended with polyester or additives (James

and Grant 2003). When these plastics are discarded, microorganisms such as

bacteria and fungi eat the starch molecules. This cause the polymer molecules to

break apart, allowing the plastic to decompose (Richardson, 2007).

 As a major source of starch in tropical and subtropical regions, cassava is

a promising raw material for the development of biodegradable plastics in these

areas. Starch is a natural polymer and is biodegradable and is used in this

research because it is renewable and cheap. Also, it is pure and can be blended

with other polymers to make cheap biodegradable plastic. (Duran,2008)

Glycerol, also called glycerin, makes a very useful plasticizer. Glycerol is

produced by the fermentation of sugar, or from vegetable and animal oils and

fats, as a by-product in the manufacture of soaps and fatty acids. Glycerol is

often available in drugstores. It is liquid at room temperature.” The function of

glycerol in bioplastic is to act as a plasticizer it is a material that makes the

polymer chain molecules bend and slide past each other more easily, which adds

to the flexibility of the plastic. (Shamwuel,2012)

Commercial plastic is a material consisting of any of a wide range of

synthetic or semi-synthetic organic compounds that are malleable and can be

molded into solid objects. Plastics are typically organic polymers of high

molecular mass, but they often contain other substances. They are usually

synthetic, most commonly derived from petrochemicals, but many are partially

natural. Plasticity is the general property of all materials that are able to

irreversibly deform without breaking, but this occurs to such a degree with this

class of moldable polymers that their name is an emphasis on this ability. (Green,

2012)
 A group of researchers has studied about making a bio-plastics out from the

renewable sources to produce an eco-friendly product. They had come up with

this this idea to lessen the number of non-biodegradable garbages.

A group of researchers in PNHS, Philip Joshua Timkang (2014). The

researchers had produced bio-plastic out of jackfruit seeds. It is said in their

study that the texture of the starch will affect the texture of the bio-plastic. As a

result they had produced a bio-plastic which is durable enough in holding liquid

substances

Another group of researchers in PNHS, Joseph Badana (2013). She and her

co-researchers made a bio-plastic out of Cassava starch. They knew that this

Cassava starch obtain conducting bio film.

WYSS Institute of Harvard also conducted a study on fabricating a bio-

plastic as an alternative with the use of shrimp shells. That this new material can

be molded into useful objects with a synthetic plastics. As a result they have able

to create with a good quality that has the same characteristics with the

petroleum-based plastics.

Fifteen-year-old Amin Hataman, a student at the Fountain International

School in San Juan City, Metro Manila, is now a certified international award-

winning inventor of biodegradable plastic bags. Last May, Hataman won a

bronze medal in the 2015 International Sustainable World Energy, Engineering

and Environment Project (I-SWEEP) Olympiad held in Houston, Texas. Hataman

won for inventing biodegradable plastic bags made from nata de coco, a
byproduct of coconut, last year for a Science project requirement in their school.

The biodegradable plastic bags also won another international award for

Hataman last year: a gold medal in the 2014 International Young Inventors

Olympiad in Tbilisi, Georgia

 Conceptual Framework

Input Process
• Alternative • Extraction Output
Plastic
• Mixing  Decrease the
(Cassava Starch) number of
• Heating non-
• Durable
biodegradabl
Enough in • Drying
e plastics
holding liquid
or solid • Testing Of
substances Property
Definition of Terms

This are the following words that we the researchers find it difficult.

Bioplastics- are plastics that are derived from the renewable biomass sources

and a biodegradable product.

Cancer- a serious disease caused by cells that are not normal and that can

spread to one or many parts of the body

Cassava- is a nutty flavored, starch-tuber in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae)

of plants.It is rich in starch. It is extensively cultivated as an annual crop in

tropical and subtropical regions.

Commercial plastics- plastic product that are commercially produced.

Durability- capability of staying strong in good condition over a long period of

time.

Elasticity - The maximum stretch it could withstand without breaking when

stress is applied. A ruler was used to measure the elasticity.

Glycerin- it is a colorless, odorless, viscous liquid that is widely used in

Pharmaceutical formulations.

Plastic- is any of the wide range of synthetic or semi- synthetic solids are widely

Polymer- a chemical compound that is made of small molecules that are

arranged in a simple repeating structure to form a larger molecule.

Vinegar-is a liquid consisting of about 5-20% acetic acid (CH3COOH), water and

other trace chemicals, which may include flavorings. The acetic acid is produced

by the fermentation of ethanol by acetic acid bacteria.[1] Vinegar is now mainly

used as a cooking ingredient.

Water- (chemical formula: H2O) is a transparent fluid which forms the world's

streams, lakes, oceans and rain, and is the major constituent of the fluids of

organisms.

Suffocation- to die because you are unable to breathe

 CHAPTER III
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

To fulfill the study, the researchers should have a research design, materials
needed and procedure.
Research Design
Table 3.1 The Set – ups
Group/Set Up Treatment Parameter

Positive
(Control) Commercial Plastic

Experimental Group Cassava Glycerin Vinegar Water Temperature, weather

A 50 20 mL 10 mL 50 mL condition, presence of
grams pests and place of drying

Experimental Group
B 50 15 mL 10 mL 50 mL
grams

Experimental Group
C 50 10 mL 10 mL 50 mL
grams

The table 3.1 shows the different set – ups in the research experiment. For
the positive control, commercial plastics is used. For the experimental set – ups,
the researchers change the glycerin for it affects the durability of the bio - plastic.
Furthermore, the table shows the parameter of the study: temperature, weather,
presence of pests and place of drying.
Research Materials

In making the study, the different materials are used the cassava, glycerin,

vinegar, water and some laboratory equipments such as casserole and spatula.

Research Procedure

The following steps are the undertaken during the study:

Preparation of Materials. Five (5) kilos of fresh Cassava was bought at

Carbon Public Market, Cebu City. These were washed thoroughly with tap water.

One (1) glycerin was bought at Far Eastern Drug Incorporated, Cebu City.

Extraction. The 50 grams of cassava is washed and grated then after

grating add 50mL of water to extract the starch.

Mixing. Mix the 50 grams of cassava starch, 20 mL glycerin, 10 mL of

vinegar, and 50mL of water in a casserole.

Heating. Turn on the stove before setting the casserole on the fire. Stir

the mixture until it becomes white. Then, stop stirring when the mixture is already

sticky.

Drying. Place the mixture in a tin foil. Then, let it dry under the heat of the

sun.

Testing the Properties of the Bio-Plastic container. Check the bio-

plastic if it has totally dried up. Then, test for its folding endurance, if it can be

molded into different forms and also test its stretchability, and for the acid test

use lemon extract and vinegar in conducting the acid test and for its

decomposition burry the bio-plastic for 15 days.

 Observation. The researchers observe that the bio-plastic can

decompose for 15 days and it can mold into different forms.

Flow Chart of the Procedure

Gathering of Materials

Extracting of the Cassava

Mixing of the Components

Heating of the Mixture

Drying the Bio - Plastic

Testing the Properties of the

Bio- Plastic Container

Observation

Conclusion

Figure 4.1 Methodology Flowchart

Research Environment

The process was conducted in Samantha Nicole D. Pardoncillo’s

house at San Vicente Bulacao Cebu City. The area is located near the road but

the conduction of the study was taken up at Samantha’s kitchen where there is

all the materials needed

Statistical Treatment

Statistical Treatment

Data was gathered and analyzed using t-test through Megastat. T-test was used to

compare if there is a significant difference between bioplastics in terms of its properties:

elasticity and tensile strength.

Formula for t-test:

( x1  x2 )  ( 1   2 )
t
s12 s 22

n1 n2

Where

x1 = mean of Sample A s12 = variance of Sample A

x 2 = mean of Sample B s 22 = variance of Sample B

1 = population mean of Sample A n1 = number of subjects in Sample A

 2 = population mean of Sample B n 2 = number of subjects in Sample

 CHAPTER IV

PRESENTATION, INTERPRETATION, AND ANALYSIS OF DATA

This chapter presents, interprets and analyzes the result of the research study.

The tables are the basis for the analysis of the results for the prepared set-ups.

Table 4.1 Manual Testing for the Durability of the Bio-plastic

Set-up Observation Properties of Bio-plastic

(Mixture) (After Drying for 1 Day)

Folding Tear Acidity Test

Color Texture Endurance Resistance Vinegar Catsup Soy

Sauce
A Dirty Sticky Won’t Easily No No No

White and Oily easily Torn Reaction Reaction Reaction

break

B Dirty Sticky Won’t Easily No No No

White and Oily easily Torn Reaction Reaction Reaction

break

C Dirty Sticky Won’t Easily No No No

White and Oily easily Torn Reaction Reaction Reaction

break
 The table shows the observation made from the appearance of the Cassava

starch mixture after drying under the heat of the sun for a day. To produce a bio-plastic

for a container purposes, it should be strong and durable enough to hold any type of

condiments

The bio-plastic in each set-up was folded 3 times to test its folding endurance

and the 3 of them won’t easily break. To test its tear resistance, the bio-plastic were torn

and the 3 of them easily torn. In testing its reaction to acid, researcher put vinegar,

catsup and soy sauce in each bio-plastic container and leave it for an hour, if it would

create any reaction but it didn’t create any.

 CHAPTER V

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary of Findings

This study focuses on the efficacy of the biodegradable plastic as an alternative

food condiment.

The purpose of this study is to test the ability of the bioplastic to decompose and its

proper ratio to come up with a strong and effective bioplastic. This also aims to answer

the following questions formulated:

1. What is the appropriate proportion of glycerin to come up with a good quality bio-

plastic?

2. How much weight can the bioplastic hold?

3. Can the bio-plastic resist folding, stretching and acid tests?

4. Which of the 3 (three) Set-ups has the fastest decomposition rate?

And the researchers came up with these hypothesis:

Ho1: The appropriate proportion of glycerin to come up with a good quality bio-

plastic is 20 ml of glycerin.

Ho2: Bio-plastic can hold 0.25 Kilograms or 250 grams.

Ho3: The bio-plastic can resist folding, stretching and in acid tests.

Ho4: The Set-up A which is composed of 20mL glycerin of cassava starch has the

highest decomposition rate.

 Conclusions

Based from the results and findings, these conclusions are reached:

1. The bio-plastic didn’t decompose within the range of 15 days.

2. The bio-plastic can resist up to six folds without tearing or breaking. Therefore

you can fold it and keep it in your pocket or in small places.

3. It can resist the acid test (using vinegar) for up to 1 hour. Therefore you can put

some acidic components but not too long.

4. It can decompose whether in soil or in open air. Therefore you can bury it or just

leave it in open air so it can decompose.

5. It is not so strong enough to hold heavy weighed materials like nails and rocks.

Therefore avoid putting heavy weighed materials to avoid tearing the bio-plastic.

6. It tears easily. Therefore do not stretch the bio-plastic too long to avoid tearing it.

It us now safe to say that the researcher’s study about the cassava ( Manihot

esculenta ) as an alternative component for bio-plastic condiment is successful because

of the fact of its fast decomposition rate and its flexibility to hold light weighed material

or components and also of its resistibility in its acid tests.

Recommendations

The basis of findings of this research study, are the following recommendations that are

offered to make the Bio-plastic:

1. The future researchers must try other components for the bio- plastic.

2. The future researchers should test the stretchability.

3. The future researchers must have their own measurements of the

components.

4. The future researchers must test the decomposition rate in a longer days.

This study must be organize by the incoming researchers for the greater possibilities to

lessen the petroleum-based plastic.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

A. Published Books

B. Journals / Magazines

Gaurav Kale,and Thitisilp Kijchavengkul, (March 2007) Compostability of

Bioplastic

C. Websites

 www.axom.com

 http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/

 http://www.motherearthnews.com/nature-and-

environment/environmental-policy/biodegradable-plastics-

zmaz10jjzraw.aspx

 http://plastic-pollution.org/

 http://www.pyroenergen.com/articles08/cassava-cyanide-

poisoning.htm

 http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/25-green-eco-friendly-

products.php
Documentations
 CURRICULUM VITAE

A. PERSONAL:

Name : Kimberly P. Undang

Address : 240 Cogon Drive Pardo Cebu City

Date of Birth : December 27, 2001

Place of Birth : Cebu City

Religion : Roman Catholic

Nationality : Filipino

Civil Status : Single

Parents : Fermina Undang

: Elleser Undang

B. EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT:

Level/ Degree School Year

Elementary Pardo Elementary School 2008 – 2014

Secondary Pardo National High School 2014 – 2018

C. Organization Affliation

1. Drum Bugle Lyre Corp

 CURRICULUM VITAE

A. PERSONAL:

Name : Jamila Villanueva

Address : Sitio Issa Inayawan Cebu City

Date of Birth : August 03, 2001

Place of Birth : Cebu City

Religion : Roman Catholic

Nationality : Filipino

Civil Status : Single

Parents : Jerlou Valencia

: Maricris Villanueva

B. EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT:

Level/ Degree School Year

Elementary Inayawan Elementary School 2008 – 2014

Secondary Pardo National High School 2014 – 2018

C. Organization Affliation

1. English Club

2. Radio Broadcasting Club

3. Pop class
 CURRICULUM VITAE

A. PERSONAL:

Name : Samantha Nicole D. Pardoncillo

Address : San Vicente Bulacao Cebu City

Date of Birth : September 4, 2001

Place of Birth : Cebu City

Religion : Roman Catholic

Nationality : Filipino

Civil Status : Single

Parents : April Pardoncillo

: Cloyd Pardoncillo

B. EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT:

Level/ Degree School Year

Elementary Bulacao Community School 2008 – 2014

Secondary Pardo National High School 2014 – 2018