hilippines

ducation
I
Nueva Ecija
TALAVERA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Roxas Street, Pag-asa District, Talavera Nueva Ecija, 3114

Corn (Zea Mays Francais), Cassava (Manihot Esculenta), and Potato Starch

(Solanum Tuberosum) as Biodegradable Plastic Components

An Investigatory Project

Presented in Partial Fulfillment

For the Requirement in Research I

Life Science – Group Category

Hannah Bea Abesamis

Khim Angel Beltran

Princess Janille Irinco

Ainsley Ervin Villena

Proponents

9 - Del Rosario

Mrs. Abegail Latonio Macayan-Alejandro Ph.D

Project Adviser
 S.Y. 2021-2022

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

To see how corn starch, cassava starch and potato starch perform as a component in

biodegradable plastic production. The goal of the study is to develop a biodegradable plastic that

will benefit the environment. Many of us used a plastic that takes a thousand years to degrade

but can be decomposed in a month or two. The main reason of our environment’s problem is

plastic, which pollutes the environment and causes a slew of other issues. People in the

community can help the environment, but they also use plastic to make life easier in our daily

lives.

R. Gross as well as Karla B. learn how to plant cellulose that contributes to the

decomposition of plastic. So, corn starch, cassava starch, and potato starch are the ones they’re

attempting to use as a component of biodegradable plastic, and the researchers are trying to make

it better and faster to disintegrate, so they’ll mix all of these starches in one study. Because all of

this contains starch and cellulose, it will breakdown better and faster if the researcher mixes all

of the starch to be used as one of the components in manufacturing biodegradable plastic.

Statement of the Problem

To see how corn, cassava and potato starch affect the production of biodegradable plastic.

1.) What effect does corn starch, cassava starch, and potato starch have when used to make

biodegradable plastic?
 2.) What is simpler to disintegrate between cassava, potato, and cassava starch-infused

plastic and ordinary plastic?

3.) Which of the corn starch, cassava starch or the potato starch is more effective as a

component of making biodegradable plastic?

Statement of the Hypothesis

The researchers will test the hypotheses:

1.) There is no significant difference in the effect of potato starch, cassava starch and corn

starch as a component of making biodegradable plastic.

2.) There is no significant difference between the plastic that have corn starch, cassava starch

and potato starch and the plastic that didn’t have any amount of the materials.

Significance of the Study

The study’s goal is to benefit the environment by reducing the amount of plastic in the

environment. The plastic is non-biodegradable and cannot be broken down. It is the source of the

flood and pollutes the water. It can degrade in a few months after the user uses it, but natural

plastic takes thousands of years to decompose. Everyone requires a plastic in order to complete

their tasks efficiently. It will dissolve once the community has utilized the plastic thus, it can be

quite beneficial while also helping the environment.

Scope and Limitation

The research study mainly focuses on the potato starch, cassava starch and corn starch as a

component of making biodegradable plastic. Plastics that disintegrate in natural aerobic

(composting) and anaerobic (landfill) conditions are known as biodegradable plastics.

This was conducted at Brgy. Pag-Asa, Talavera, Nueva Ecija. Since April 2022.
Review of Related Literature and Study

Cassava Starch (Manihot Esculenta)

Starch is one of the abundant substances in nature, a renewable and almost unlimited resource.

Starch is produced from grain or root crops. It is mainly used as food, but is also readily

converted chemically, physically, and biologically into many useful products to date, starch is

used to produce such diverse products as food, paper, textiles, adhesives, beverages,

confectionery, pharmaceuticals, building materials. Cassava starch has many remarkable

characteristics, including high paste clarity, and high freeze-thaw stability, which are

advantageous to many industries.

Corn Starch (Zea Mays Francais)

Corn starch is commonly used a thickening agent for pudding, sauces, and soups. However, the

sauces will thin if cooked too long or stirred vigorously. Corn starch is used in combination with

flour in many European cake and cookie recipes because it produces a finer textured, more

compact cake or cookies than flour alone.

Potato Starch (Solanum Tuberosum)

Potato starch is considered as a great alternative to corn starch and wheat flours as thickening

agent. Its chief advantage especially over wheat flour is its gluten free composition which let it

be used to thicken soups and sauces. They are also used in a table and paper products. Another

of the uses of the potato starch is yeast filtration and as an added ingredient for some cosmic

products.

Related Studies

However, Md. Ruhul Amin, Mohammad Asaduzzaman Chowdhury, Md. Arefin Kowser
(2019) stated that there’s a study about characterization and performance analysis of composite

bioplastics synthesized using titanium dioxide nanoparticles with cornstarch. This study stated

that plastic is an amazing material, and wonderful invention, it has changed the world. Plastic is

used everywhere and every day across the globe. But despite its varied uses, its disposal has

threatened the environment. This work focuses on the characterization and performance analysis

of starch bioplastics and composite bioplastics to reduce the plastic pollution by its various

According to Journal of Polymers and the Environment, (1-18-2021) plastics are widely

used by the community, especially as food packaging. In general, plastic raw materials are

polymers which have advantages including good mechanical properties, cheap, lightweight and

easy in the process of manufacture and application. However, there are still many plastic

shortcomings, one of them is not easily biodegradable. Therefore, scientist and other

stakeholders have shown great concern to overcome the accumulation of nonbiodegradable

plastics in the environment by develop biodegradable plastics.

In addition, the development of biodegradable polymers for both industrial and commercial uses

is critical nowadays due to the detrimental environmental implications of synthetic plastics.

Diverse starch-based composites have been produced for various applications by researchers.

The current study looks on corn and rice starch-based bioplastics for packaging purposes.

Bioplastics of various compositions, including corn and rice starch, glycerol, citric acid, and

gelatin, are created. After adding rice starch, the tensile characteristics improved. Water

absorption and solubility, on the other hand, were reduced. The best sample was evaluated for

thickness testing, biodegradability qualities, SEM, hydrophilicity, thermogravimetric analysis,

and bioplastic sealing properties based on these findings. The findings demonstrate that rice and

corn-based thermoplastic starch are suitable for packaging applications.

According to Qinglu Chang, Yanling Hao, Long Cheng, Yihao Liu and Aoyun Qu (2019), the

wide use of synthetic plastic causes serious environmental pollution. Starch is used as potential

alternative for non-degradable petrochemical polymers to prepare biodegradable plastic. In this

work the biodegradable corn starch films were prepared, using poly (lactic acid) (PLA) coating

to improve its waterproof performance. Effects of different PLA concentration on the waterproof

performance of corn starch films were evaluated. Compared to starch film without PLA coating,

the films coated with PLA significantly reduces water solubility and increases the mechanical

stability. The film coated with 6% w v−1 PLA exhibited an excellent reduction of 40.74% in

moisture absorption and an increase of 46.6% in tensile strength compared to uncoated film.

In addition, Corn starch and chitosan microparticles crosslinked with glutaraldehyde using a

solvent exchange process are investigated as reinforcing fillers for thermoplastic corn starch

plasticized with glycerol. Water solubility experiments suggest that the presence of 10% w/w

chitosan in the microparticles is required for successful crosslinking. Crosslinked chitosan and

starch chains form an interpenetrating polymer network, resulting in microparticles with

relatively low solubility. The microparticles' thermal stability is consistent with their

polysaccharide composition. They have a crystalline fraction of 32 percent, a Va-type structure,

and no inclination to retrograde, according to an XRD examination. The integration of

crosslinked starch/chitosan microparticles by melt-mixing enhanced the tensile strength, Young's

modulus, and toughness of thermoplastic starch. Toughness has improved.

Moreover, synthetic plastics have had a severe impact on the environment, so the development

of today, biodegradable plastics are required for both industrial and commercial purposes. We

researchers have created a variety of starch-based composites for a variety of purposes. The

current project is bioplastics based on corn and rice starch being investigated for packaging

purposes. Several examples are bioplastics with various compositions of corn and rice starch,

glycerol, and citric acid are generated. Acid, as well as gelatin. After adding rice starch, the

tensile characteristics improved. Water, on the other hand, water solubility and absorption were

both lowered. The best sample was chosen based on these findings.

Thickness testing, biodegradability characteristics, SEM, hydrophilicity, and thermogravimetric

analysis were all performed. Bioplastic analysis and sealing qualities the findings demonstrate

the appropriateness of rice and corn-based foods. Thermoplastic starch is used in packaging.

Description of the Condition

Environmental pollution caused by plastic waste that takes too long to decompose has become a

worldwide issue. Several solutions have been proposed, one of which is the use of bioplastics.

Because Indonesia has a diverse range of starch-producing plants, using cassava starch as the

main ingredient in the manufacture of bioplastics has great potential.

According to Journal Agricultural Chemistry And Environment 8 (04), 237, (2019) the threat

posed by plastics to the environment has prompted the development of bioplastics. Starch

plasticized by glycerol is a key renewable resource in the production of high-quality bioplastics.

However, Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering stated that the massive use of

petrochemical plastics has become a real problem for health and the environment. This problem
is related to the non-biodegradable character of a great majority of these plastics and to the

presence of certain chemical substances sometimes toxic in their internal structures. The

development of biodegradable and less dangerous plastics thus represents an alternative to the

petrochemical plastics. Two types of bioplastics were elaborated from cassava starch and corn

starch. The simple bioplastics were obtained from starch only. The composite bioplastics were

obtained by adding a natural ingredient extracted from the species Cola cordifolia to the starch.

The biodegradability was assessed through burial tests in soil. The biodegradation was

confirmed by the burial soil pH measurement. The burials in soil were also carried out taking

into account the influence of abiotic (humidity, temperature) and biotic (enrichment in

microorganisms) factors. The study showed that biodegradability of bioplastics is linked to the

nature of the starch used. The simple cassava-based bioplastic degraded faster than those based

on corn. The addition of the Cola cordifolia's natural ingredient, significantly improves the

biodegradability of composite bioplastics compared to simple bioplastics. However, variability

of environmental factors can improve or disadvantage biodegradability. Humidity promotes the

biodegradability of bioplastics, especially composite bioplastics, up to a maximum rate of 15%.

Enrichment in microorganisms is unfavourable beyond 10% enrichment for simple corn

bioplastic and beyond

20% enrichment for composite and simple cassava-based bioplastics.

The burial temperatures above 30 °C lead to a decrease in the biodegradability of bioplastics.

Role of Corn Starch, Cassava Starch and Potato Starch in the Environment

Plastics, being synthetic polymers, have numerous advantages such as strength, flexibility,

persistence, and endurance; but, because they are non-biodegradable, they pose a threat to the

environment. Plastic's ever-increasing demand is causing the depletion of natural resources such
as petroleum, as well as the accumulation of waste plastics in the environment. Many researchers

have been motivated to develop biodegradable plastics, also known as bioplastics. Bioplastics,

which are made from natural organic components such as polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids,

can be used as environmentally acceptable alternatives to damaging petroleum-based plastics.

Because of the quantity, renewability, sustainability, and biodegradability of starch, starch-based

bioplastics are a particularly attractive substitute; however, more study is needed to develop

bioplastics so that they can be economically and practically viable.

According to Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology plastics being synthetic polymers

boast many benefits like strength, flexibility, persistence and longevity, however, being

nonbiodegradable they are a menace for the environment. The ever-growing demand of plastic is

resulting in the depletion of natural resources like petroleum as well as the amassment of waste

plastics in the environment. This has driven many researchers to develop biodegradable plastics,

commonly known as bioplastics. Bioplastics can serve as an environmental -friendly alternatives

to harmful petroleum-based plastics, as they are synthesized from natural organic materials like

polysaccharides, proteins and lipids. Starch based bioplastics are an especially promising

substitute due to the abundance, renewability, sustainability and biodegradability of starch,

however more research is required to perfect bioplastics to make them economically and

practically feasible.
 CHAPTER II

METHODOLOGY

Gathering of Materials

Corn Starch (Zea Mays Francais), Cassava Starch (Manihot Esculenta), Potato Starch (Solanum

Tuberosum), and other biodegradable plastic components will be used to create the

biodegradable plastic. The plastic will degrade after it has been used. Materials for this

investigation were gathered from the market and other materials often found in the vicinity.

Several techniques, including as cutting and fermenting, were used to create and fit the materials

together.
Preparation of Treatment

Table 1: The amount of corn starch, potato starch, and cassava starch together with, water and
cooking oil.

Replication Corn Potato Cassava Yeast Water Cooking

Starch Starch
Starch Oil

R1 20g. 15g. 10g. 15g. 25ml. 10ml.

R2 20g. 15g. 10g. 15g. 25ml. 10ml.

R3 20g. 15g. 10g. 15g. 25ml. 10ml.

Corn starch has the most in this table, followed by potato starch and cassava starch. 20 grams

corn starch, 15 grams potato starch, 10 grams cassava starch, 15 grams yeast, 25 ml water, and

10 ml cooking oil. It will be reproduced three times.

Table 2: The amount of corn starch, potato starch, and cassava starch together with, water and
cooking oil.

Replication Corn Potato Cassava Yeast Water Cooking

Starch Starch
Starch Oil

R1 15g. 10g. 20g. 15g. 25ml. 10ml.

R2 15g. 10g. 20g. 15g. 25ml. 10ml.

R3 15g. 10g. 20g. 15g. 25ml. 10ml.

Cassava Starch has the most in this table, followed by potato starch and corn starch. 15 grams

corn starch, 10 grams potato starch, 20 grams cassava starch, 15 grams yeast, 25 ml water, and

10 ml cooking oil. It will be reproduced three times.

Table 3: The amount of corn starch, potato starch, and cassava starch together with, water and
cooking oil.

Replication Corn Potato Cassava Yeast Water Cooking

Starch Starch
Starch Oil

R1 10g. 20g. 15g. 15g. 25ml. 10ml.

R2 10g. 20g. 15g. 15g. 25ml. 10ml.

R3 10g. 20g. 15g. 15g. 25ml 10ml.

The researchers were attempting to determine whether the plastic would be easier to degrade

when the potato starch contained the most starch in the last table. The cornstarch contains 10

grams, potato starch; 20 grams, cassava starch; 15 grams, yeast; 15 grams, water; 25 ml and

cooking oil 10 ml. It will be replicated 3 times.

Procedure of making Biodegradable Plastic

The major ingredients are corn starch, cassava starch, and potato starch, as well as water, yeast,

and cooking oil. Simply combine all of the ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl and cook on

high for 20-30 seconds. Then pull it out and kneed the plastic with your hands once it has cooled
for about a minute. The researchers will be able to form it into a shape, and it will be hard within

20 hours, allowing them to use it.

Application of Treatment

The researcher will develop a biodegradable plastic using corn starch, potato starch, and cassava

starch, as well as other components for manufacturing biodegradable plastic. After creating

biodegradable plastics, researchers will track how long it takes for the material to disintegrate. If

this plastic decomposes more quickly than the other plastic, it qualifies as biodegradable.
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