3.

0 Methodology

3.1 Research Design

This research will use the Quantitative approach to determine the effectiveness of the banana
blossom bioplastic, The researchers need to measure these properties using quantitative methods.
Researchers may use instruments such as a tensile testing machine or other testing methods to measure
the properties of the bioplastic. By using quantitative methods, researchers can obtain accurate and
reliable data, which they can use to evaluate the performance of the bioplastic. Moreover, a quantitative
approach allows researchers to compare the properties of the banana blossom bioplastic with those of
other bioplastics made from different materials. This comparison helps to determine the strengths and
weaknesses of the banana blossom bioplastic and identify areas for improvement. According to Trochim
(2005), research design "provides the glue that holds the research project together. A design is used to
structure the research and demonstrate how all of the major components of the research project work
together to address the central research questions."
The research will use true experimental design because a true experimental research design is
typically used when researchers want to establish cause-and-effect relationships between variables. In the
case of making bioplastic out of banana blossom, a true experimental design would be necessary to
determine whether or not the bioplastic production process is effective and if it produces a durable and
high-quality material that can be used in various applications. According to Williams (2003), true
experimental is a type of experimental design that is thought to be the most accurate type of experimental
research. This is because a true experiment uses statistical analysis to support or refute a hypothesis.
Therefore, by using true experimental design, researchers can gather reliable and valid data on the
efficacy of using banana blossom as a source for bioplastic production, which can inform future research
and practical applications in the field.

3.2 Research Materials

Banana Blossoms Main Ingredients for

making a Bioplastic.
Water One of the mixtures that
can be used with banana
blossoms.

White Vinegar Use to soak banana

blossoms.

Glycerol One of the mixtures that is

present in the making of
bioplastic.
 Titanium Dioxide One of the mixtures that is
also present in making
bioplastic together wuth
glycerol and the others.

3.3 Research Equipment

Beaker It helps in the extraction

of starch from liquids.

Stirring Rod To mix the starch and the

ingredients needed to
make bioplastic
Strainer To separate starch from
liquid

Molder To mold the starch

mixture

Burner To help the starch

separate from liquids,
Spatula To flatten the mold

Knife To cut or the banana

blossom into pieces

Bowls Where all the ingredients

would be mixed together
after the extraction of
starch.

Cling Wrap To cover the soaked

banana blossom.
3.4 Research Procedure

3.4.1 Collect the Banana Blossom

The banana heart is the fleshy, cone-shaped flower that grows at the end of a bunch of bananas.
To make bioplastic, collect banana blossom from a reliable source or the local shop.

3.4.2 Preparation of Banana Blossom

Remove the outer layers of the banana heart until you reach the tender, fleshy center. Rinse it
thoroughly under running water, and then chop it into small pieces to increase the surface area and aid in
the extraction process.

3.4.3 Mix with Vinegar

In a large bowl, combine the chopped banana hearts with distilled white vinegar. The vinegar
helps break down the fibers in the banana heart, making it easier to extract the starch. Mix well, cover
with a lid or plastic wrap, and let it sit overnight.

3.4.4 Strain and Collect the Liquid

After soaking overnight, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove
any solid pieces. Collect the liquid in a separate container.

3.4.5 Extraction of Starch

To extract the starch from the liquid, pour it into the beaker and heat it on the Bunsen burner,
stirring constantly. As the liquid heats up, the starch will separate from the liquid and form a thick,
sticky paste.

3.4.6 Production of Bioplastic

Mix the extracted starch with a plasticizer, such as glycerol, to form a bioplastic material. The
plasticizer will make the material more flexible and easier to handle. Add also the titanium dioxide to
improve the tensile strength of the plastic.

3.4.7 Mold the Bioplastic

Once the starch has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. While it
is still warm and pliable, you can mold it into the desired shape. You can use a silicone mold, or simply
shape it by hand.

3.4.8 Let it Dry

Allow the bioplastic to dry completely, which may take several hours or overnight. Once it is dry,
you can use it as a biodegradable alternative to conventional plastic.

3.4.9 Testing the Bioplastic

Test the properties of the bioplastic material, such as tensile strength, elasticity, water resistance,
and thermal stability, to determine its suitability for use in various applications.