PRODUCTION OF BIODEGRADABLE PLASTIC FROM BANANA ( MUSA

ACUMINATA ) PEELINGS

A Research Paper Presented to the Faculty of

AGUSAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Senior High School Department,
Butuan City, Philippines

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Subject

Research Capstone

by

Kerstine Kyra Amamangpang

Nick Anthony Burias
Miguel Louise Balane
Sheila Mae Jarencio
Pia Monique Sarmiento
Gian Hedrick Nonan

October, 2018
 ii

Department of Education
Caraga Administrative Region
Division of Butuan City
Agusan National High School
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

APPROVAL SHEET

This research entitled “PRODUCTION OF BIODEGRADABLE PLASTIC

FROM BANANA ( MUSA ACUMINATA ) PEELINGS” prepared and
submitted by Kerstine Kyra Amamangpang, Nick Anthony R.
Burias, Miguel Louise Balane, Sheila Mae Jarencio, Pia
Monique Sarmiento, Gian Hedrick Ian Nonan, in partial
fulfillment of the requirements for the STEM, Research
Capstone, has been examined and recommended for Oral
Examination.

Dr. VIRNALISI MINDANA

Research Capstone Adviser

Approved in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the

Subject, Research Capstone, by the Oral Examination
Committee on February 28, 2018 with a grade.

Member Member Member

MARLYNE M. VILLAREAL, MS
Track Head

MARIO Y. ORENDAIN, MS
Principal II
 iv

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The researchers would like to express their heartfelt

thanks to the following persons who, in one way or another,

have shared their time, knowledge, talent, and support for

this research project.

First of all, the researchers would like to thank the

Almighty God, who’s not just always up there watching them

but instead always with them along the way, making them

feel strong all throughout the process, forever there,

because truly with Him, nothing is impossible. For the

spiritual guidance, knowledge, strength and protection you

have given to the researchers.

To the proponents’ parents, Mr. and Mrs. Amamangpang,

Mr and Mrs. Burias, Mr. and Mrs. Jarencio, and Mr. and Mrs.

Balane, Mr and Mrs. Nonan, Mr. And Mrs. Sarmiento for the

moral and financial support given to the researchers and

the ethical support who had helped a lot in making this

research possible.

To the researcher's research adviser, Dr. Virnalisi

Mindana, for her patience in teaching them what they need

to learn not only in conducting the study but also with

 v

strategies needed to finish the research in just a little

amount of time.

And to all whom the researchers failed to mention but

have contributed to the completion of this project, the

researchers are very grateful for your unvarying support,

they are truly thankful for the help contributed to their

research study.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS vi

Page
Title Page ........................................... i

Approval Sheet ....................................... ii

Abstract ............................................. iii

Acknowledgement ...................................... iv

Table of Contents .................................... vi

List of Tables ....................................... viii

List of Figures ...................................... ix

List of Appendices ................................... x

CHAPTER

1. THE PROBLEM AND REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Background of the Study ....................

Research Objectives ........................

Statement of the Problem ...................

Statement of the Hypothesis ................

Theoretical Framework ......................

Research Paradigm ..........................

Scope and Limitations ......................

Significance of the Study ..................

Definition of Terms ........................

 vii
Review of Related Literature ...............

2. METHODOLOGY

Materials .................... .............

Research Design ............................

Procedure .................... .............

Data Gathering & Statistical Treatment .....

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Results .................... ...............

Discussion .................................

4. SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary .................... ...............

Conclusion .................... ............

Recommendation .............................

References .................... ......................

Appendices .................... ......................

Curriculum Vitae ....................

.................
 LIST OF TABLES

Table Page
1.

ix
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Page
1. Research Paradigm 5
 LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix Page
A. Documentation 21
 1

Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Background of The Study

The Banana also known as Musa paradiasca is one of the

most common plant in tropical and subtropical countries. It

is a food that has a major source of different vitamins and

minerals like potassium, iron, calcium, phosphorus,

carbohydrates, starch, other dietary fibers, and some

healthy ingredients. The Banana is the second largest

produced fruit in India. A study made by University of

Leeds states (2010) that increasing the consumption of

fibre-rich foods such as bananas can lower the risk of both

cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease. It also

helps in regulating heartbeat and blood pressure; It

contributes to the improvement of one’s digestive health.

Starch is a major component of a green banana. It has

long chain of molecules that are covalently bonded. This

starch undergoes several changes during ripening. When the

starch is susceptible to the action of amylase, it is

called digestible starch. Starch can be classified as

rapidly digestible starch (RDS) and slowly digestible

starch (SDS)(Englyst, et. al). 2

Plastic industry is considered one of the most

important industries because this is an important factor in

making some useful products like sheets, tubes, slabs, etc.

However, this causes environmental pollution and it causes

having more waste in our environment. Nowadays, then

abundance of use of plastics are evident and this leads to

have a negative impact on our environment. Since this is

non-biodegradable it would need a longer time for it to

decay and it also contains chemicals which can harm us. In

contrast, we can be able to do something to help our

environment. One way is creating biodegradable plastics out

of fruit wastes, like bananas and potatoes. Biodegradable

plastics can be defined as plastics made of biomass and

biodegradable materials. It can replace petroleum-based

plastics and it is believed to be a successful solution to

increase the efficiency of plastic industry.

The main advantage of biodegradable plastics over

conventional plastics is that they degrade into environment

without creating any pollution. Biodegradable plastics can

be reused more efficiently and this doesn’t have any

chemicals or toxins which are safer. Banana by-products

have been used for wrapping foods, clothes, and used in

various ceremonial occasions and it expands to cultural

diversification. (Kenedy, 2009). Numerous studies have been

done to improve the usage of banana by-products to meet the

escalating demand of raw materials supply in various

industries. (Clarke et, al. 2008).

This study aims to produce biodegradable plastics by

using the starch from banana peelings. It would provide

another new ideas and innovations which would help to the

improvement of our environment such as the reduction of

plastics and other existing wastes.

Research Objectives

This study intends to determine banana peelings as an

alternative in making bioplastics. To test the strength and

elasticity of bioplastic made form banana peelings and to

identify the strongest bioplastic to compare the developed

bioplastic from polyethylene.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to differentiate the extent of the

using polyethylene plastic and bio plastics. The researcher

seeks to answer what is the level of following?

1. What is the level of tensile strength of the

produced bioplastic from banana peelings and

polyethylene plastic in terms of:

1.1 100 grams of starch

1.2 150 grams of starch

1.3 200 grams of starch

Statement of Hypothesis

There is no significant difference between bio

plastic from banana peels and polyethylene plastics in

terms of strength.
Theoretical Framework

This Study first came to be in 1850’s by a British

chemist who created plastics from cellulose, a derivative

of wood pulp. This situated on a bioplastic’s product

relationship theory by Tonuk, D (2016) where in the design

of making bioplastic’s are highly beneficial for its

various uses which could replace conventional plastics.

Conceptual Framework

The independent variable of the study refers to the

banana peelings, which is rich in starch. Starch then would

then be extracted would be one of the main ingredient in

making the biodegradable plastic possible. The sample from

the product together with a sample polyethylene plastic

would then be examined to its use. From strength tests to

the extent of its elongation. The data which would be

gathered will determine whether there is a significant

difference in the biodegradable plastic from banana and

polyethylene plastic
Research Paradigm

Independent Intervening Dependent

Variable Variable Variable

Amount of
Starch used in
making the
-- Bioplastic
Banana Peelings Bioplastic’s
Strength
a. 50 grams

b. 100 grams

c. 150 grams

Figure 1- Research Paradigm Showing the Interplay between

the Independent and Dependent Variables of the Study

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

The study is delimited to determine the percentage

yield of starch obtained from Banana Peelings of Sab-a (

Musa paradisiaca ) sample as source of starch for

bioplastic film productions. The tensile strength also is

being analyzed using Tensil Strength Equipment at Equi-

Parco Construction Company, Butuan City and compared this

with the tensile strength of the existing commercial

synthetic plastic.

Significance of The Study

In this study, the researchers believe that

the following would benefit from the results of the

study:

Community. This study would help lessen the

cloggage of the drainage system due to usage of

polyethylene plastics.
 Environment. This study will help to lessen the

plastic pollution in the world because polyethylene

plastics takes a long time to decay.

Companies which uses banana in their

production.This study would benefit them since they

use lots of banana, they would be informed that their

banana peelings won’t go to waste since they can

produce bio-plastics from the banana peelings.

Future researchers. This study will serve as a

their basis in studying and how to improve bio-

plastics

Definition of Terms

Banana peelings. Refers to the soft outer covering of

a banana where the main ingredient-starch would then be

extracted from.

Bioplastic. Refers to the product which acts like

plastic but is made from biodegradable materials such as;

banana peelings.
 Bioplastic’s strength. Refers to the resistance of a

bio-plastic to break.

Review of Literature

Bio-based polymer composites have been the topics of

some different scientific research projects and as well as

commercial programs. Due to growing environmental and

social concern, the rate of depletion of petroleum

resources and the creation of environmental regulations

have forced the search for alternative composites and green

materials that are compatible to use with the environment.

Due to the motives of both strategic nature and

environmental, the interest in the development of

biodegradable was noticed few years ago (Zhang et al.,

2000; Demirbas, 2007; Gross and Kalra, 2002).

In fact, in order to lessen the environmental impact

of plastics some of the products were obtained from

agriculture such as starch, cellulose, wood and sugar are

used as raw materials. In this method of procedure, the net

balance of carbon dioxide is significantly reduced, since

the carbon dioxide released throughout the production,

utilization and disposal of plastics is balanced by the

carbon consumed during the growth cycle of plant. In

addition, petroleum, with continuously increasing price, is

being replaced by renewable raw materials obtained from

10
plants.

These days, people are becoming more aware about the

harmful effects of petrochemical derived plastic materials

in the environment. Researchers have conducted numerous

researches for handling plastic waste on earth by finding

eco-friendly substitute to plastics. This ecofriendly

substitute is called bioplastics, which are disposed in

environment and can easily degenerate through the enzymatic

actions of microorganisms. The degradation of bioplastics

give increase to carbon dioxide, water, methane, humic

matter and several other natural substances which can be

easily eliminated (Azios, 2007).

Certain biopolymers are being produced from

fermentative procedures of natural valuable raw materials,

such as sugar, wheat, soya and etc. Precise consumption

each unit of biodegradable plastic produced is

significantly different depending on the raw materials

used, but these raw materials would be taken away from

other uses with no doubt, in particular from alimentation,

with a consequent increase in the cost of food (Harding et

al., 2007).

Plastics are used in almost every place such as, in

routine house hold packaging material, in bottles, cell

phones, printers etc. It is also developed by manufacturing

industries ranging from pharmaceutical to automobiles. They

are useful as synthetic polymer because their structure can

be chemically manipulated to a number of strengths and

shapes to obtain higher molecular weight, low reactivity

and long durable substances. Plastics are significant

material as they are durable and cost efficient to

everyone. Plastics have developed a large environmental

problem. Plastics that do residue in landfills degenerate

very gradually, which can cause the original products to

remain in our landfills for hundreds or even thousands of

years (Unmar and Mohee, 2008).

Banana fibers are completely biodegradable, recyclable

and are more environment friendly compared to the synthetic

fibers both in terms of production and their disposal.

(Mukhopadhay et al., 2008). Therefore, the banana products

have export potential. Unlike synthetic fibers which are

largely produced from non-renewable resources since banana

fibers are made of renewable resources. Furthermore, pseudo

stem can be recycled to be used as bio fertilizer and are

found to be highly useful and economic for banana growers.

(Mukhopadhay et al., 2008).

Banana fibres make a huge impact in the emerging bio-

economy because it plays a vital role. Recently, millions

of tons of banana pseudo stem are dumped as waste and most

of the farmers are facing huge problems in disposing the

accumulated banana pseudo stem. Therefore, it is effective

13
to extract the economic means of reducing the environmental

problem by extraction of fibre from pseudo stem and

production of valuable bio-products. All kinds of banana

can be used for the fibre extraction purpose (Mahapatra et

al., 2010).

The wastes produced during processing of banana fiber

can generate electricity and would also contribute to make

ecological housing material for the reason that it is

mainly organic wastes (MOT, 2010) additionally; waste

utilization would overcome these environmental hazards.

(Muraleedharan and Perumal, 2010 and Mahapatra et al.,

2010)

A study conducted in the Asian Journal of Food

and Agro-Industry stated that banana peel has a good source

of different nutritional and valuable components. It is

rich in proteins, dietary fiber, potassium, and

polyunsaturated fatty acids. They also implied that banana

peels can produce ethanol (Asian Journal of Food and Agro-

Industry, 2011). 14

Beyond the limited scope of natural polymers,

conversions in bio-refineries and chemical carbon dioxide

fixation are created with highly effective tailoring,

processing and recycling of polymers. “Green monomers” made

from bio-refineries, and “renewable oil”, created from bio

wastes and plastics’, makes synthetic polymers renewable

without ruining their property profiles and recycling.

(Mülhaupt, 2013)
 Chapter 2

Methodology

Research Design

The one-group experimental research design that would

be utilized by the study to be able to evaluate the tensile

strength of biodegradable plastic produced from banana

peelings. The design is suitable for the study since it has

only one variable which is the starch from banana peelings.

This has three different treatment each having three

different trials.

Statistical Treatment

For the statistical treatment Mean would determine the

acceptability of the product made. T-test will then be used

to determine the difference between the commercial

synthetic plastic and the Biodegradable plastics from

banana peelings.
Materials

In order to make the biodegradable plastic from banana

peelings, the researchers needs 15 pieces of Banana

Peelings from the Saba Banana for the source of starch, 16

tablespoons of reagent which is glycerol, 1 liter of water,

10 tablespoons of vinegar, a sift to separate solids from

liquids.

Procedure

Gathering/Collecting of Banana Peelings

Saba Bananas from Butuan City’s pulic market, is a

hybrid of two families of banana namely; Musa Acuminta and

Musa Balbisiana. Banana peelings from this banana would be

used in making the product.

Extraction of Starch
 The banana peelings would be then used in producing

the starch, in extraction of starch the banana peelings

would be chopped into smaller pieces, which then would be

whisked. Water would be added to the whisked banana

peelings, this mixture would be then heated till the

mixture thickens. The water from the mixture would be

removed after. Starch is then made.

17

Preparation of the Bioplastic

Ingredients such as the water, glycerin, vinegar, and

food coloring would then used in this process. Water with

amounts of starch from the banana peelings then be brought

in heat. Glycerin would be added to the solution mixing it

thoroughly then vinegar and food coloring would be added

and again mixing it all up. Starches are polysaccharides or

large branched polymers chains consisting of sugar

molecules, as you heat them externally it hydrolysis or

breaks the bonds between the branches this leads you to

long linear chains of polysaccharides. Ordinarily these

linear chains are stiff, but because the researchers added

glycerin this acts as plasticizer enabling the product to

be flexible and sturdy.

 Testing of the Product

The product would be then be sent to Equi Parco for

the tensile strength and elasticity of the product.

Data Gathering and Analysis

Data gathered from the various test will then be used

in the analysis of the product.

 Flow Chart Diagram

Gathering/Collecting of Banana
Extraction of Starch
Peelings

Preparation of the
Biodegradable plastic

Testing of the Product

Data Gathering and Analysis

 Chapter 3

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This chapter deals with the presentation, statistical

analysis of the gathered data, and the discussion of the

results.

3.1 Results

Table 1 shows the tensile strength of biodegradable

plastic made from banana peelings when sampled using

equipment at Equi Parco, Butuan City. The Bioplastic Film

was cut into even rectangular form, this were sampled with

tensile strength. This will then be compared by T-test.

Table 1. Tensile Strength of Bioplastic from Banana

Peelings Sample using Equi-Parco Tensile Strength

Equipment.
 Replication of Bioplastic

from Banana Peelings

TRIAL Synthetic Plastic

50 g 100 g 150 g

933.7 875.3 818 MPa

MPa
1

927.2 869.1 815.4

MPa MPa
2 171,670 MPa

930 872.1 817.6

MPa MPa
3

Average 930.3 872.1666 817 171,670

mean

20000
18000
16000
14000
12000
10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0
T1A T1B T1C T2A T2B T2C T3A T3B T3C

Bioplastic From Banana Peelings Comercial Synthetic Plastic

Figure 1. Graph of Tensile Strength of Produced Bio-plastic

from Banana Peelings vs. The Commercial Synthetic Plastic

20

Figure 1 shows the data comparison on tensile of the

produce bio-plastic from banana peelings from the

commercial synthetic Plastic.

3.2 Discussion

The first purpose of this study is to assess the

viability of bio-plastic made from banana peeling as an

alternative to the existing commercial synthetic plastic.

This is done with three treatments; each having different

concentration of starch, this treatments are the replicated

three times for the trials. The samples were then tested on

EQUI-PARCO Construction Company, Butuan City. A sample of a

commercial synthetic was also tested. The type of test that

was used in order to find which is more viable two-tailed

test was used. In computing the value of the T Value given

the alpha level of o.5 with the critical value of 0.703 and

-o.703; The computed T value, which was equal to -

1099.67,and the degrees of freedom which is equals to 9

fell on the rejection region. thus rejecting the null

hypothesis
 Chapter 4

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter contains the statements that are needed

to satisfy the research query and discusses the

possibilities of creating environmental-friendly

alternatives.

4.1 Summary

The first purpose of this study is to assess the

viability of bio-plastic made from banana peeling as an

alternative to the existing commercial synthetic plastic.

This aims to compare the tensile strength of the produce

bioplastic from banana peelings and the commercial

synthetic plastic. The banana peelings were first dried in

the oven, cut into smaller pieces. The researchers grounded

the dried banana peelings. This was then cooked in a pot

ogether with the glycerin, water, vinegar. This was done

with the different concentrations, each having three

trails. These samples were then tested in EQUI-PARCO

Construction Company and the results was then tabulated.

This study uses T test to get the T value to test the

research hypothesis. The T value was - 1099.67 which fell

on the rejection region which was the absolute value of

0.703.

4.2 Conclusion

As stated on chapter 1, this study was design to

determine the difference of tensile strength of the produce

bioplastic from banana peeling to the commercial synthetic

plastic. It was found that different concentration of

glycerin causes the film to be more elastic. Since the T

value fell on the rejection region, this study therefore

concludes that there is a significant difference on the

produce biodegradable plastic from banana peelings and the

commercial synthetic plastic.

4.3 Recommendations

The study suggests to the future researchers to look

for other variable that is suitable reagent ingredient for

bioplastic films. This study also suggest to use higher

concentration starch to be utilized. The researchers also

suggest to utilize different amounts of reagents to used as

plastecizer in different treatments. The researchers also

suggest to use a different research designs.

 REFERENCES

Anderson et al., (2009) Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical

and Clinical Research

Laletha B. Et al., (2011). Research Journal of

Pharmaceutical Biological and Chemical Sources. India

Mohiuddin, A. K. M., Saha, M. K., Hossian, M. S., &

Ferdoushi, A. (2014). Usefulness of banana (Musa

paradisiaca) wastes in manufacturing of bio-products: a

review. The Agriculturists, 12(1), 148-158.

Mohapatra, D., Mishra, S. and Sutar, N. 2010. Banana and

its by-product utilization: an overview. Journal Scientific

& Industrial Research, 69: 323-329.

MOT: Ministry of Textile: Government of India, 2010. Other

Natural Fibers: Section VI.

Mukhopadhyay, S., Fangueiro, R., Yusuf, A. and Senturk, U.

2008. Banana fibresvariability and fracture behaviour.

Journal Engineered Fibres and Fabrics, 3(2): 39- 45.

Muraleedharan, H. and Perumal, K.

https://www.banglajol.info/index.php/AGRIC/article/view/198

70/13734
 DOCUMENTATION

GATHERING AND EXTRACTION OF STARCH

EXTRACTION OF STARCH
PREPARATION OF THE BIOPLASTIC

TESTING OF THE PRODUCT

CURRICULUM VITAE

NICK ANTHONY R. BURIAS

Purok 2, Brgy. Villa Kananga
Butuan City
nick.burias827@gmail.com
(+63)9283336568

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Name Nick Anthony Regala Burias

Place of Birth Butuan City

Date of Birth February 7, 2000

Age 18 years old

Father’s Name Antonio Mina Burias

Mother’s Maiden Name Rowenda Rivas Regala

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Senior High School Agusan National High School

Academic Track, Science,
Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics (STEM) Strand
A.D. Curato St., Butuan City

Junior High School Agusan National High School

A.D. Curato St., Butuan City

Elementary Butuan Central Elementary School

A.D. Curato St., Butuan City

23

GIAN HEDRICK IAN T. NONAN

1031-D Km.3 Libertad,
Butuan City
giannonan@gmail.com
(+63)9991860

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Name Gian Hedrick Ian Tabucao Nonan

Place of Birth Butuan City

Date of Birth October 9, 2000

Age 17 years old

Father’s Name Roberto Sahagun Nonan

Mother’s Maiden Name Caridad Tacla Tabucao

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Senior High School Agusan National High School

Academic Track, Science,
Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics (STEM) Strand
A.D. Curato St., Butuan City

Junior High School Agusan National High School

Science, Technology, and
Engineering Curriculum
A.D. Curato St., Butuan City

Elementary Butuan Central Elementary School

A.D. Curato St., Butuan City

MIGUEL LOUISE L. BALANE

Purok 8, Doongan
Butuan City
miguellouisebalane@gmail.com
(+63)9129448219
PERSONAL INFORMATION

Name Miguel Louise Lucenas Balane

Place of Birth Cagayan De Oro

Date of Birth June 22, 2001

Age 17 years old

Father’s Name Francisco Bete Balane

Mother’s Maiden Name Maria Elena Durango Lucenas

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Senior High School Agusan National High School

Academic Track, Science,
Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics (STEM) Strand
A.D. Curato St., Butuan City

Junior High School Agusan National High School

A.D. Curato St., Butuan City

Elementary Bading Elementary School

Bading, Butuan City

KERSTINE KYRA M. AMAMANGPANG

Purok-6, Brgy. Ambago
Butuan City
kerstineamamangpang@gmail.com
(+63)9204119760
PERSONAL INFORMATION

Name Kerstine Kyra M. Amamangpang

Place of Birth Cebu City

Date of Birth June 8, 2000

Age 18 years old

Father’s Name Julio Glefa Amamangpang

Mother’s Maiden Name Grace Monta Masaya

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Senior High School Agusan National High School

Academic Track, Science,
Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics (STEM) Strand
A.D. Curato St., Butuan City

Junior High School Agusan National High School

Science, Technology, and
Engineering Curriculum
A.D. Curato St., Butuan City

Elementary Ambago Central Elementary School

Purok-7, Brgy. Ambago Butuan City