INTRODUCTION

Background Of The Study

Gabi, or taro, is prized chiefly on account of its large corms, or underground

stems, which may be a staple food in some areas but in our own locality it is usually

preferred as “Food for the pigs” due to a property which is known to be harmful for

human consumption when not properly cooked. It has high starch content, is very

nutritious and has many medicinal and non-medicinal uses since the beginning of time.

Pure Starch is a white, tasteless and odorless powder that is insoluble in cold water or

alcohol. It consists of two types of molecules; the linear and helical amylase and the

branched amyl pectin. Thus, it is the most suitable biodegradable agent.

Plastic is all around us. It is useful, lightweight, durable, strong and relatively

inexpensive. In recent years there have been plastic issues causing downfalls in many

urban countries. Worldwide we produce about 100 million tons of petroleum plastic per

year. Most of this ends up in landfills, rivers, oceans, and lakes, where it pollutes the

ecosystems for hundreds of years. Over 540 billion pounds of oil-based plastic are

produced every year and to make these plastics we use about 7 million barrels of oil per

day. Plastics are not biodegradable because the polymer chains are too tight and large

to be broken down. Therefore it is significant to promote biodegradable plastics

especially in our time.

Even if the government or those so called experts say that we should eliminate

the use of plastics, the fact is we really cannot because of its versatility and let`s face it,

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it has become a necessity, an accessory and even a form of advertisement for some

businesses which helps the economy to grow.

Objectives Of The Study

Main Objective:

To develop a biodegradable plastic.

Specific Objective:

To identify which concentration would be best used to develop a biodegradable

plastic.

Significance Of The Study

There is an increasing demand for plastic, from the highly technological fields of

electronics, fiber optics, and pharmaceuticals to the basic necessities such as sandwich

wrappers and garbage bags. This high demand for plastics, however, has been a major

contributor to the world's present garbage problems.

This research aimed at developing biodegradable plastics is one big step to

lessen, if not totally eliminate, this global concern. The use of biodegradable plastics

has already started in the United States. Some plastics use cornstarch as an additive.

This additive helps in the natural decomposition of the plastic materials. Galiang is

basically composed of starch.

Because plastics are made of polymers, starch is a very favorable raw material in

plastic-making. The plastic produced will be treated with different amounts of starch

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(polymer), water, lemon juice and glycerol (plasticizer). The finished product will be

expected to be comparable to commercial plastics in terms of clarity, reaction to acids

and bases, water absorption, tensile stress and tensile strain, and flammability.

Scope And Delimitation Of The Study

It only limits itself on the utilization of locally grown Galiang as the experimental

treatment and Commercial plastic as the control treatment.

This study was conducted from June to September 2013 at the Benguet State

University-Secondary Laboratory School Chemistry Laboratory

Definition Of Terms

Lemon (Citrus limon)

- is a small evergreen tree native to Asia and the tree's ellipsoidal yellow fruit.

The fruit is used for culinary and non-culinary purposes throughout the world, primarily

for its juice, though the pulp and rind (zest) are also used in cooking and baking. The

juice of the lemon is about 5% to 6% citric acid, which gives lemons a sour taste

Galiang (Cyrtosperma chamissonis)

- is the largest of the root crop plants known collectively as Taro, which are

cultivated throughout Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Although outwardly similar to

Colocasia esculenta, the most widely cultivated taro, it belongs to a different genus. The

plant may reach heights of 4–5 meters, with leaves and roots much larger than

Colocasia esculenta.

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Glycerol (or glycerine, glycerin)

–a simple polyol (sugar alcohol) compound. It is a colourless, odourless, viscous

liquid that is widely used in pharmaceutical formulations. It is sweet-tasting and of low

toxicity. Glycerol has three hydroxyl groups that are responsible for its solubility in water

and its hygroscopic nature. The glycerol backbone is central to all lipids known as

triglycerides.

Starch (amylum)

–a carbohydrate consisting of a large number of glucose units joined by

glycosidic bonds. This polysaccharide is produced by all green plants as an energy

store. Pure starch is a white, tasteless and odourless powder that is insoluble in cold

water or alcohol. It consists of two types of molecules; the linear and helical amylase

and the branched amyl pectin that is insoluble in cold water or alcohol.

Plastic

–synthetic or semi-synthetic organic solids that are moldable. Plastics are

typically organic polymers of high molecular mass, but they often contain other

substances. Most plastics contain organic polymers. The vast majority of these

polymers are based on chains of carbon atoms alone or with oxygen, sulfur, or nitrogen

as well.

Ethanol

- also called ethyl alcohol, pure alcohol, grain alcohol, or drinking alcohol, is a

volatile, flammable, colorless, organic solvent liquid with the structural formula

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CH3CH2OH, often abbreviated as C2H5OH or C2H6O. A psychoactive drug and one of

the oldest recreational drugs known, ethanol produces a state known as alcohol

intoxication when consumed as a beverage.

Polyvinyl Acetate

-is a thermoplastic resin glue produced by the polymerization of vinyl acetate

monomer in water producing an emulsion with solid contents of 50-55%. PVA, PVAc,

poly(ethenyl ethanoate), is a rubbery synthetic polymer. It is a type of thermoplastic. It is

a component of a widely used glue type, commonly referred to as wood glue, white

glue, carpenter's glue, school glue, Elmer's glue (in the US), or PVA glue.

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 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

The word plastic came from the Greek word “plastikos”, meaning capable of

being molded. Plastics can be as hard as metal or as soft as silk. They can take any

shape in almost any form due to the versatility of the carbon, the most common

backbone of polymer chains. Plastics can be conveniently divided into two categories:

semi-synthetic, in which the basic chain structure is derived from a natural product, such

as cellulose; and synthetic, which is built up chemically from small units or monomers.

Despite the various applications of plastics, drawbacks have been encountered in three

major points. Firstly, there are certain chemicals used in the manufacture of .plastics

that may cause allergic reactions. Three is a need man from these threat. Secondly,

since cellulose films are biodegradable; they are readily attacked by bacteria. Films and

packaging materials from synthetic polymers are normally attacked at a very low rate.

New polymers such is nylon, polyvinyl chloride and Polystyrene have replaced

cellulose, the pioneer plastic material. As a result, these plastic materials have become

permanent wastes.

There 'are various methods in making biodegradable plastics. The simplest is the

production of plastic from the extraction of casein from milk. Casein is obtained in two

ways by souring, with the use of lactic acid, arid by boiling together with an additive,

such as acetic acid.

Starch is a natural organic polymer manufactured by green plants through

photosynthesis to serve as metabolic reserve It occurs in the form of grains in many

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'parts of the plant, principally in embryonic tissues such as seeds, fruits, roots and

tubers.

Glycerol is the simplest trihydric alcohol. In commercial form, it is called glycerin.

It is a colorless odorless and viscous liquid with a sweet taste. It is completely soluble in

water and alcohol but is only slightly soluble in many common solvents, such as ether,

ethyl acetate and dioxane. It is widely used in coatings and paints, pharmaceuticals and

cosmetics.

Plastic production is relatively new technology. Experiments are being conducted

to relieve the negative effects 'of overproducing plastics. By changing its raw materials

and additives, commercial plastic may be improved so that it will become degradable

while retaining its good quality.

Production of Biodegradable Plastic from Squash Starch, Kathleen Hazel Lansang

Montemayor

This project was conducted because the researchers found out that the global

warming is one of the chief reasons on why the world is suffering from food shortage.

As the population increases, the food production decreases and global warming

contributes in to the increasing production of food. That is why the researchers came up

with the project of making biodegradable plastic.

The project can reduce our problems in global warming because it needs no

burning to decay. If the global warming will be reduced the food shortage will be

reduced. It is focus more on lessening the world’s problems by using this product, the

biodegradable plastic.

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 The first step done by the researchers is the peeling of one half kilo of squash. It

was then chopped. Next, the squash was boiled by the researchers using a casserole

with 1.25 liters of water.

After about 20 minutes of boiling, the squash was soaked and place in a bowl. It

was then grinded using a spoon. The starch on it was extracted a Muslim cloth. The

juice/extract was separated from the starch and was placed on the remaining two bowls.

One fourth kilo of starch was produced.

After that, the starch was set on a fiber glass. It was flattened and the top layer

was covered with plastic cover. It was then dried under the sun. After about 7 hours of

sun drying, the starch was removed from the fiber glass. Same treatment was also done

for the screen. The experiment was done repeatedly so as to test if it will obtain same

results.

For the conclusion, the researchers believe that among the six set-ups done, the

2nd set up of the 2nd trial obtain the best results. Both sides were smooth and it has a

better bending property. The researchers came imperfections on their product. And so

as to avoid encountering imperfections, the researchers recommended the next batch

who would like to continue the project to use different molders so as to achieve the

desired shape and structure of the plastic.

Biodegradable Plastic From Cassava (Manihot Esculenta) Starch

The study aims to produce biodegradable plastic using cassava starch as its

main component. Cassava starch was mixed with water, epoxydized soya bean oil

(ESBO), glycerol, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The mixture was then compressed and

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tested. Three preparations were made from the mixture. The first preparation contained

50 grams starch, 50 grams water, 50 grams PVA, 2.5 grams ESBO, and 2.5 grams

glycerol. The second preparation contained 65 grams starch, 65 grams water, 50 grams

PVA, 2.5 grams ESBO, and 2.5 grams glycerol. The third preparation contained 80

grams starch, 80 grams water, 50 grams PVA, 2.5 grams ESBO, and 2.5 grams

glycerol. The first preparation exhibited the most desirable mechanical properties. The

material produced was proven to be biodegradable.

Bioplastic from starch: an economically and enviromentally sustainable reality, C.

Bastioli, M. Versari,– Novamont Spa, Novara, Italy

Bio plastics from renewable origin are a new generation of plastics able to

significantly reduce the environmental impact in terms of energy consumption and

green-house effect in specific applications, to perform as traditional plastics when in

use, and completely biodegrade within a composting cycle.

Today bio plastics and particularly starch-based plastics are used in specific

industrial applications where biodegradability is required such as the composting bags

and sacks, fast food service ware ( cups, cutlery, plates, straws etc.), packaging

(soluble foams for industrial packaging, film wrapping, laminated paper, food

containers), agriculture (much film, nursery pots, plant labels), hygiene ( diaper back

sheet, cotton swabs). Moreover new sectors are growing outside biodegradability,

driven by improved technical performances versus traditional materials, as in the case

of bio fillers for tires.

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 The market of starch-based bio plastics in 2001 has been estimated at about

30000ton/year, with a strong incidence of soluble foams for packaging and films. Bio

plastics from renewable origin, either biodegradable or non-biodegradable, still

constitute a niche market which requires high efforts in the areas of material and

application development; the technical and economical breakthroughs achieved in the

last three years, however, open new possibilities for such products in the mass markets

and specifically in the food packaging. The presentation will review the recent industrial

achievements of bio plastics taking in consideration their in-use performances,

biodegradation behavior, environmental impact and legislative attention.

Cassava starch as an effective component for Ideal Biodegradable Plastic: Daryl

S. Romero

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 T2and 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

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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

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 METHODOLOGY

Materials

The materials used in the study were categorized according to their usage. The

Independent variables were the glycerol and vinegar while the dependent variables

were the starch and water.

Devices manipulated were graduated cylinder, beakers, ruler, and measuring

spoons. Laboratory apparatuses utilized were stirring rod, mortar and pestle, funnel

were borrowed from the BSU-SLS Chemistry Laboratory. Other implements such as

plates, glasses and strainer were borrowed from the BSU-SLS Food department. And

other materials such as grater, knife, and gloves were supplied by the researchers.

Table 1. Formulas

Formula 1 Formula 2 Formula 3

Starch 1 tbsp. 1.5 tbsp. 2tbsp.

Water 60 ml 60 ml 60 ml

Lemon 2 tsp. 2 tsp. 2 tsp.

Glycerol 1 tsp. 1 tsp. 1 tsp.

Polyvinyl Acetate
15 ml 20 ml 25 ml
Resin Glue

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Procedures

Preparation of Materials

The glycerol was obtained from the Department of Chemistry of Benguet State

University while the hydrochloric acid was acquired in the BSU-SLS Chemistry

Laboratory. The lemon and Galiang were bought from the La Trinidad Public Market.

Other materials such as measuring devices and apparatuses were borrowed from the

BSU-SLS Chemistry Laboratory and BSU-SLS Food Department.

Extracting the Starch

The Galiang was peeled using a paring knife and was washed through a running

water. Then the peeled Galiang was grated using a grater and was placed into the

mortar. About 100 ml of water was added to the mortar, and the Galiang was grinded

carefully. The Galiang-water mixture was pour through the strainer into the funnel, to

avoid spillage, then finally into the beaker, leaving the Galiang behind the strainer. Then

the grinding and pouring of the mixture was repeated twice more. Then the mixture was

left overnight to let the starch settle in the beaker.

The water was decanted from the beaker, leaving behind the white starch that

has settled in the bottom. About 50 ml of water was put in with the starch and was

stirred using a stirring rod. The mixture was left for 2 hours to settle and then the water

was decanted, leaving the starch behind. The slurry starch was sun dried.

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Making the Plastic sheet

In order to determine the right combination, three batches with different

proportions were prepared.

T1 =1 tbsp. of starch, 60 ml of water, 2 tsp. of lemon, 1 tsp. of glycerol, 15 ml resin glue

T2 =1.5 tbsp. of starch, 60 ml of water, 2 tsp. of lemon, 1 tsp. of glycerol, 20 ml resin

glue

T3 =2 tbsp. of starch, 60 ml of water, 2 tsp. of lemon, 1 tsp. of glycerol, 25 ml resin glue

Measured amounts of the ingredients were added everything to the pot. The hot

plate was turn on to medium and the mixture was stirred until it turns from cloudy white

to clear, until a sticky paste was formed. Then the heat was turned up a little and was

stirred rapidly until it was completely clear. Then the mixture was quickly poured onto

the cooling sheet, and was spread to let it dry.

Preparation for the tests

The plastic sheets formed were rolled into the laminating machine to create an

even thinness for testing. Then the samples produced were cut into strips with the

dimension of 2cm and 4cm.

Testing the Plastic Sheets

Several tests were conducted to determine the mechanical properties of the

samples.

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1. Effects of strong acids

The plastic strips were immersed in concentrated hydrochloric acid for 30

minutes. Changes in length, width and appearance were noted. The purpose of this is to

determine if the treatments can be dissolve in strong acids like Hydrochloric acid.

2. Tensile test

The plastic strips were hooked to a spring balance and were pulled until they tore

apart. The readings on the spring balance when the strips broke were recorded. The

purpose of this is to determine the treatment’s durability or resilience.

3 Organic solvent tests

The plastic strips were immersed in ethanol for 48 hours. Changes in

appearance were noted. The purpose of this is to determine if the treatments can be

dissolved in organic solvent like ethanol.

4. Biodegradable test

The plastic strips were stapled to a piece of cardboard and was buried in a can of

soil. The strips were unearthed after a week and their appearance were recorded. The

purpose of this is to determine if the treatments can degrade in the soil.

5. Water Resistance

The plastic strips were immersed in water for 5 days. Changes in appearance

was observed and noted. The purpose of this is to determine if the treatments can resist

water.

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 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This Section presents the finding derived from the data gathered. It also includes

the interpretation and discussion of these findings.

Table 2. Results in the Water resistance test, Biodegradable test, Tensile Stress

test, Strong Acid test and Organic Solvent Test.

Tests

Treatments Water Strong Organic Solvent

Biodegradable Tensile
resistance Acid (Ethyl Alcohol)

Experimental

Became brittle
Broke down Totally
Treatment 1 Softened 4.25 cm and shrunk by
into pieces dissolve
2.5 mm

Became brittle
Broke down 0.44
Treatment 2 Softened 3.5 cm and shrunk by
into pieces cm2
1.5 mm

Became brittle
Broke down
Treatment 3 Softened 3 cm 1 cm2 and shrunk by 1
into pieces
mm

Controls

Treatment 0.1 Unchanged Unchanged 7.5 cm 8 cm2 Unchanged

Treatment 0.2 Unchanged Unchanged 9 cm 8 cm2 Unchanged

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 The data in Table 1 shows that the Control Treatments have the Positive results

in Water resistance and Tensile stress while the Experimental Treatments have the

Positive results in Biodegradable, Strong Acid and Organic Solvents tests.

Table 3. Tensile Stress

TENSILE STRESS

Repetitions
Treatments Total
1 2 3

Experimental

Treatment 1 4 cm 4.5 cm 4 cm 4.17 cm 3

Treatment 2 3 cm 3. 75 cm 3.25 cm 3.33 cm 4

Treatment 3 3 cm 2.75 cm 3.25 cm 3 cm 5

Controls

Treatment 0.1 7.25 cm 8 cm 7 cm 7.42 cm 2

Treatment 0.2 9 cm 9.5 cm 9.25 cm 9.25 m 1

In the Tensile Stress Test, Treatment 0.2: Commercial Plastic cover is the best

treatment, with the measurement of 9.25 cm, followed by treatment 0.1: Commercial

Plastic bag with 7.42 cm then lastly treatment 1 with 4.17 cm

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Table 4. Reaction to Strong Acids

EFFECTS OF STRONG ACIDS

Repetitions
Treatments Total
1 2 3

Experimental

Treatment 1 0 cm2 0 cm2 0 cm2 0 cm2 1

Treatment 2 0.25 cm2 0.56 cm2 0.5 cm2 0.44 cm2 2

Treatment 3 0.75 cm2 1.5 cm2 0.75 cm2 1 cm2 3

Controls

Treatment 0.1 8 cm2 8 cm2 8 cm2 8 cm2 4

Treatment 0.2 8 cm2 8 cm2 8 cm2 8 cm2 4

In the Strong Acid Test, Hydrochloric Acid. Treatment 1 is the best treatment,

which was dissolved completely, followed by treatment 2 with the area of 0.44 cm2,

then lastly treatment 3 with 1cm2 areas.

In the organic solvent all experimental treatments became brittle and shrunk

slightly by 2.5mm, 1 mm and 0.5 mm respectively. As for the control treatments both

were unchanged.

In the Water Resistance Test, Treatment 0.1 and Treatment 0.2 were unchanged

while Treatments 1, 2 and 3 broke down into smaller pieces. In this test, the Control

Treatments have positive results making it water resistant while the Experimental

treatments were water-soluble.

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 In the Biodegradable test, the treatments were unburied from the soil. The

Control treatments were unchanged while the Experimental treatments were softened

and broke down into pieces.

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary And Conclusions

The Galiang plant has the potential to serve as an alternative in making plastics

but not as effective as the control in some cases.

1. In the Tensile Stress Test the top 3 were Treatment 0.2: Plastic cover is the best

treatment, with the measurement of 9.25 cm, followed by treatment 0.1: Plastic

bag with 7.42 cm then lastly treatment 1 with 4.17 cm

2. In the Strong Acid Test, Hydrochloric Acid. Treatment 1 is the best treatment,

which was dissolved completely, followed by treatment 2 with the area of 0.44

cm2, then lastly treatment 3 with 1cm2 areas.

3. In the Organic Solvent Test, Ethyl Alcohol. Treatments 1, 2 and three became

brittle, making it easy to be torn while treatments 0.1 and 0.2 were unchanged.

4. In the Water Resistance Test. Treatment 0.1: Plastic Bag and Treatment 0.2:

Plastic Cover were the best treatments making them water-resistant, while

treatments 1, 2 and 3 are water-soluble.

5. In the Biodegradable Test. Treatments 1, 2 and three have positive results

making them biodegradable, treatment 1 had the most successful results

followed by treatment 2 then treatment 3 while control 0.1 and 0.2 remain

unchanged.

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 Favorable results were obtained in the Strong Acid Test. The samples were

found to be water-soluble. However, the samples would not dissolve in ethanol, an

organic solvent as for the tensile stress the treatments. All the experimental treatments

were biodegradable.

It is therefore concluded that the Galiang plant may be used as an additive in

making biodegradable plastic.

RECOMMENDATIONS

It is recommended by the researchers to:

1. Use a binder for better tensile test results.

2. Use different plasticizers which are not water-soluble.

3. Use other additives for even better results.

4. Conduct further studies in accordance to the information gathered in this

research to the uses of Galiang starch.

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 BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Production of Biodegradable Plastic from Squash Starch, Kathleen Hazel

Lansang Montemayor

2. Biodegradable Plastic From Cassava (Manihot Esculenta) Starch

3. Bioplastic from starch: an economically and enviromentally sustainable

reality, C. Bastioli, M. Versari,– Novamont Spa, Novara, Italy

4. Cassava starch as an effective component for Ideal Biodegradable Plastic:

Daryl S. Romero

5. www.wikipedia.com

6. http://green-plastics.net/discussion

7. http://www.edu-sciece.com/2012/08/biodegradable-plastic-from-cassava

8. http://agroforestry.net/scps

9. Other web and book sources

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 APPENDICES

Appendix 1

Figure 1. Flow Chart in Conducting the Study

Planning the Preparing the

Experiment materials

Setting of
Conducting the
Experimental
Experiment
Design

Gathering Data Analyzing Data

Drawing
Interpreting Data
Conclusions

Finalizing the
Research Write-up

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 Appendix 2

Figure 1. Extracted Galiang Starch Figure 4. Measuring the Plastic

Figure 2. Measuring of Ingredients Figure 5. Treatments 1,2 and 3

Figure 3. Making of Plastic Figure 6. Organic Solvent Test

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Figure 6 Water Resistance Test

Figure 8. Tensile Test

Figure 9. Preparation for Biodegradable

Figure 7. Strong Acid Test
Test

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