Cornstarch Plastic: The Continuation

How does the amount of cornstarch affect the Plastic ’s quality in terms of
durability, consi stency and other factors?
I. Abstract
We all know that plastic is one of the major cause of pollution because of
it is non-biodegradable. In order to solve this crisis, researchers took a
step forward and ventured to the creation of biodegradable plastic
(plastic that can rot). One of the well-known biodegradable plastic is the
cornstarch plastic thus, the researchers of this study conducted an
experiment to find out the effect of cornstarch to the plastic’s quality.
Based on the researcher’s results, a specific amount of cornstarch is
needed to produce a quality product.

II. Introduction
A. Background of Cornstarch Plastic
1. Starch itself has no thermoplasticity and is decomposed by heating at
250 260℃. JCS has developed the starch plastic through the new modification
technology and gave it thermoplasticity. (The technology also made it
waterproof). The base material of EverCorn Resin is starch, the moldings,
laminated paper, film etc. of ECR are decomposed to water and carbon dioxide
by the action of micro-organisms in soil or water. However, under the normal
condition such as in atmosphere, no contact with soil or water containing
microorganisms the products of ECR are handled such as the products of
conventional plastics, because the properties of ECR do not change under
normal conditions.

2. The researchers were inspired by the previous studies about

cornstarch plastic. It has come to their attention that despite the fact that
cornstarch plastic is already accepted as an alternative for non-biodegradable
plastic, the effects of the amount of cornstarch used to create the plastic on the
quality of the plastic is still a question. The researchers thought that even
though cornstarch plastic is already possible, there is room for improvement.
They wanted to find out if it is possible to create plastic of higher quality by
adding more cornstarch.

B. Statement of the Problem

1. General Objectives

a) The study aims to produce an improved cornstarch plastic

2. Specific Objectives
 a) The study aims to find out how the amount of cornstarch used in
making cornstarch plastic affects the quality of the plastic.

C. Scope and limitation

1. Only two amounts of cornstarch (8 tbsp and 4 tbsp) were tested.

D. Review of Related Literature

1. There was a description on how to make plastic from potato starch. The
article also showed how they tested it for durability. However, the article did not
show how the amount of cornstarch affects the quality of plastic.

III. Methodology
A. Materials
1. For the Cornstarch Plastic:

a) Water

b) Graduated cylinder

c) Cornstarch

d) Non-stick pan

e) 100% glycerin

f) Weighing scale

g) Vinegar

h) Container

i) Optional: food coloring

2. For the testing of quality

a) Bottles with water (1.65 grams) used as weights

b) Plastic Container
 B. Procedure:
1. Make two groups of cornstarch plastic.

2. Measure out 60 ml (4 tablespoons) of cold water and pour it into the

beaker or container your heating the mixture in.

3. For the first group, measure out 4 tbsp of cornstarch and add that to
the water. For the second group, measure 8 tbsp of cornstarch then add to
water.

4. Add 5 ml or about 1 teaspoon of acid (vinegar) to the mixture.

5. Add 5 ml or about 1 teaspoon of glycerin to the mixture.

6. If a colored plastic is desired, add in the food coloring . About 5 drops is

good enough.

7. Turn the burner on low and constantly stir the mixture. When it starts
to thicken up turn the heat up to medium and stir even more. When it starts to
boil, keep boiling it for 5 minutes. You want it to be very clear and sticky (not
like toothpaste though, think flubber)

8. You should now have a "gooey" substance that you can pour into a
mold, or you can pour it onto a sheet of aluminum foil/silicone heat pad to
dry.

9. Depending on humidity, it should take about 1 day to dry in a sunny

place. You can dry it faster by putting it in an oven set to 150 F for 1-2 hours

10. After producing two sets, cut small portions from each group of
cornstarch plastic. So jo

11. Put the leftover cornstarch plastic in their own plastic containers with
cover then shake them 20 times.

12. Make an observation then record it.

13. Place the two of them on a flat container (like a lid of a plastic
container) and place the two bottles filled with water on top of them
respectively. (*Note: the bottle must be upside down. The bottle cap should be
the one touching the plastic.)

14. Remove the bottles and record your observations.

 IV. Results

A. Observations

Group A (w/ 4 tbsp of cornstarch) Group B (w/ 8 tbsp of cornstarch)

Color Red Pink
Texture Smooth Rough

Before
Testing

Slightly dented than before Split into half

Appearance
No particular change in general
After
testing
the
samples
with
heavy
Bottles
(1.65kg)

Appearance Slightly ripped in the edge Slightly Ripped in the middle

After
Shaking
the
samples
in a
plastic
container
V. Conclusion
Based on the researchers’ results, plastic made with 4 tbsp of cornstarch is of higher quality in
terms of appearance/texture, and durability. Increasing the amount of cornstarch won’t
necessarily mean improving the quality of the product. In fact, adding more than what is
required actually deteriorated the quality of the plastic.

VI. Implications
The study can help produce an improved version of cornstarch plastic. It can also prove that too
much of a good thing can never be good for anybody.

VII. Recommendations
In order to further improve this study, the researchers suggest using more than two amounts of
cornstarch (not only 4 tbsp and 8 tbsp).

VIII. Bibliography
A. www.japan-cornstarch.com

B. www.instructables.com

IX. Proponents

A. BUBAN, Jeremiah Miko

B. CAPISTRANO, Rica Paula Diane

C. NAVARRO, Edelwin Joy

D. REGALARIO, Paulyn Angelica

E. RITA, Danyz Samantha

F. LASALETA, Enzo Jarell