Topic: Making a Biodegradable Plastic with Increased Shelf-life

Statement of the Problem: Plastic wastes take very long to decompose. Some plastic items can take
an average of 1,000 years in order to degrade (Leblanc, 2019). Several studies show that
biodegradable plastics can be made using plants or plant derivatives (Connecticut Plastics, 2019).
Biodegradable plastic is a good alternative to reduce plastic wastes because it is easier to degrade
and uses environmental-friendly raw materials. The problem with this idea is that biodegradable
plastic products can only be stored for a very short time due to the microorganisms which catalyzed
degradation. Thus, incorporating essential oil with antifungal property, such as lemon grass
(Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil (LGEO), can be a good method to increase the shelf-life of the
biodegradable plastic.

Materials needed: corn starch, glycerine (glycerol), vinegar, distilled water, lemon grass essential oil
(LGEO), food coloring (optional; for aesthetic/decorative purposes only), oven-safe container
(preferably, Petri plate), beaker, stirring rod, dropper/pasteur pipette, hot plate, laboratory oven

References:

Leblanc, Rick. 26 June 2019. The Decomposition of Waste in Landfills: A Story of Time and Materials.
Retrieved from https://www.thebalancesmb.com/how-long-does-it-take-garbage-to-decompose-
2878033

Connecticut Plastics. 2019. Biodegradable Plastics. Retrieved from

http://www.pepctplastics.com/resources/connecticut-plastics-learning-center/biodegradable-
plastics/