CASSAVA (Manihot esculenta) STARCH EFFECTIVENESS AS A MAIN

INGREDIENT IN BIOPLASTIC PRODUCTION

A Research Paper Presented to Congressional Integrated High School, Dasmarinas City

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in Research Project

Presented by:

Zenlia M. Cortez

Shiela Custodio

Keneth Cardoza

Lessa Mojica Salongcong

Lolito Besañes Montermoso

 CHAPTER 1

A. INTRODUCTION

People use plastic extensively, and it has become the fastest-growing primary

material because it is versatile, affordable, controlled, and convenient. Plastics can last

for a long time; nevertheless, despite their benefits, they also contribute to significant

pollution.

Plastic consumption is high in the Philippines because it provides low-cost

consumer products to low- and middle-income families. As a result, plastic pollution

has become widespread in the country. Every day, the Philippines is thought to

consume over 163 million sachets. The Philippines generates a startling 2.7 million tons

of plastic waste each year, with an estimated 20% ending up in the ocean. Because

plastic is non-biodegradable, its prolonged usage endangers the ecosystem and wildlife.

Because of the troubling rise in plastic usage, bioplastic has been advocated in

the country as a way to reduce plastic consumption. Bioplastics are created from

natural materials such as sugarcane, yeast, corn, and starch. It is created from

renewable resources and may be recycled organically by biological processes, reducing

the need for fossil fuels and safeguarding the environment. They are biodegradable,

biocompatible, and environmentally friendly. As a result, bioplastic has become

indispensable in food packaging, agriculture, composting bags, and hygiene.

Cassava is made out of starch, the most prevalent natural polymer on the planet.

It is a photosynthesis-derived natural organic polymer produced by green plants.

Because it can substitute petroleum-based polymers with natural ones, starch can be
utilized to minimize the carbon footprint of traditional resins. It is also highly degradable,

which means it can coexist with compostable polymers without interfering with the

decomposition process.

One of the countries that produce cassava is the Philippines. Organic waste, such

as cassava peel, can be used to make starch-based bioplastics, which can assist in

mitigating the environmental damage caused by conventional plastics.

In these areas, cassava is a suitable raw material for producing biodegradable

polymers. Biodegradable plastics are an essential step toward reducing, if not

eliminating, our worldwide challenges.

This research aims to identify new ways to replace plastics (non-biodegradable).

Although plastic is suitable for its sturdiness, which keeps objects in place, poisonous

compounds are released into the soil when plastic bags expire in the sunlight. When

plastic bags are burned, a hazardous chemical is released into the atmosphere, causing

pollution.

This study sought to increase the usage of cassava starch, which is a valuable

and convenient material for making plastics. This study aims to develop biodegradable

plastic that can decompose in natural environments. After conducting experiments, the

researchers intend to develop biodegradable plastic.

 B. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The principal objective of this research is to find a way to make bioplastics out of

cassava starch. It is a considerable substance for creating plastics and reducing

pollution.

In the Philippines, the Zero Waste program and businesses operating plastic-free

systems of refill and reuse are gaining momentum. However, corporations continue to

sell falsely “innovative” types of throwaway packaging that is not recyclable or

compostable.

Furthermore, communities and governments feel the consequences of managing

the oversupply of these low-value single-use plastics. In contrast, corporate plastic

manufacturing remains unrestrained and unchecked and is expected to expand by

about 40% over the next decade.

This study aims to create biodegradable polymers that operate similarly to

ordinary plastics in everyday conditions and biodegrade when thrown. Also, to see if

using cassava starch as the primary raw material will produce viable bioplastics that

can be used as a replacement for commercial plastics.

It aims to answer the following questions in specific:

1.What is the level of Cassava starch acceptance in terms of:

a. Biodegradability

b. Durability

c. Cost

d. Exposure to chemicals

2. Can cassava starch be used to make bioplastic?

3. What suggestions do you have for improving the process of making bioplastic from

cassava starch?

C. RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

The goal of this research is to demonstrate the efficiency of cassava starch in the

production of bioplastics.

H1: Using cassava starch as a key element in bioplastic production makes a

considerable difference.

H2: Using cassava starch as the main element in bioplastic production makes no

difference.

D. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study aims to demonstrate the importance of biodegradable polymers in the

replacement of petroleum-based plastics. Several starch-based polymers have been

developed and are now widely utilized. Various packaging uses have been tested with

cassava starch. Cassava is a potential raw material for biodegradable polymer

production because it is a significant starch source in tropical and subtropical areas. As

a result, bioplastic manufactured from cassava starch could aid in the reduction of

pollution in society.

Bioplastics are less hazardous than petroleum-based plastics, and they pose a

threat to the environment, animals, and humans. This type of plastic will also take years

to disintegrate, resulting in a global problem. For many years, petroleum-based plastics

have been convenient for us, but if this trend continues, pollution will result.

Benefitting the study are the various sectors as follows:

Students

This research will assist students in learning more about the environmental benefits

of using bioplastics. Also, other materials such as starch and yeast can be used to

make plastic. This can also help students understand how plastics affect humans,

animals, and the environment, which can aid in pollution reduction.

Environment

This research could aid in environmental improvement and pollution reduction. It is

possible to benefit the environment by using bioplastics rather than petroleum-based

plastics.
Economy

This research will aid the economy in dealing with waste that could cause

environmental issues. The usage of plant-based bioplastics can aid economic growth. 

Researchers

This discovery may stimulate current and future researchers to experiment with

plant-based bioplastics or research natural raw materials that might be used as a

substitute for petroleum-based polymers.

E. SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

This study mainly focused on the effectiveness of cassava starch as a main

ingredient in manufacturing bioplastics. Specifically, its biodegradability, durability, cost

and exposure to chemicals. Cassava starch has compact structure which can be used

as a plastic that is helpful and safe to the environment. This is only the main material

because of its availability, purity, clearness of its paste and low-cost production.

F. DEFINITION OF TERMS

The following terms were defining according to how they are being used in the

study:

Terms Conceptual Framework Operational Framework

Cassava Cassava is a nutty- The main ingredient in

flavored, starchy root producing bioplastics.

vegetable or tuber.  It is the

underground part of the

cassava shrub, which has

the Latin name Manihot

esculenta.

Bioplastics Bioplastics This is what the

are biodegradable researchers will make

materials that come from with the cassava starch

renewable sources and as the main ingredient.

can be used to reduce the

problem of plastic waste

that is suffocating the

planet and contaminating

the environment.

Polymer Plastics Plastics are a group of This kind of plastics are

materials, either synthetic or what causes pollution

naturally occurring, that may and the kind of plastic
be shaped when soft and
that this research is
then hardened to retain the
finding for an
given shape. Plastics are
alternative.
polymers. A polymer is a

substance made of many

 repeating units. 

Plastic Pollution When plastic objects and The problem that the

particles accumulate in the researchers wants to

environment, they harm overcome.

humans, wildlife, and their

habitat. Plastics that

pollute the environment

are classified according to

their size as micro, meso,

or macro debris.

CHAPTER II

G. REVIEW RELATED LITERATURE

Local

Plastic consumption is increasing rapidly because plastics are used in many ways,

such as in packaging and automobile parts. We know the outstanding contribution of

plastics to our lives; however, plastics cannot be degraded by a natural process in a

short period. It will take years or even decades before it decomposes. Therefore, they
are left as waste causing environmental problems. Burning and burying them is not

suitable because this can cause to release of dangerous gases into the atmosphere.

A widely used natural polymer is starch because it is abundant and inexpensive. Due

to environmental concerns, eco-friendly polymers have received much attention in

recent decades. Starch is a naturally occurring biopolymer, and starch-based plastics

are one of the most sought-after end products. Agricultural, medicinal, and

pharmaceutical applications and food packaging can benefit from starch-based plastics.

Cassava is primarily composed of starch. Cassava starch contains two components:

amylose and amylopectin. Amylose is a type of resistant starch that has proven to be an

efficient prebiotic due to its higher digestive resistance than other starch molecules

(Dean, 2000). Amylopectin is a glucose polymer that is highly branched and found in

plants. In the Philippines, the Manihot exculenta Crantz is known as camoteng-kahoy or

balinghoy. Cassava is one of the cheapest sources of starch-based crops for ethanol

production, according to De Leon (2011). It is a subsistence crop with rising indications

of being a cash crop for most growers (FAO & IFAD, 2000). Its production market share

frequently exceeds cereals, showing that it is a viable cash crop. Because it is resistant

to abiotic stresses and can thrive in many soils, this is the "poor man's crop" (Bacusmo,

2001, Calderon & Elazegui., 2003).

The Philippines came in third in plastic pollution (Subido, 2019). Plastic pollution has

become our country's most significant issue. They have become so versatile in

durability and resistance to deterioration that nature can no longer integrate them. The

development and marketing of bioplastics have received increased attention due to

growing environmental concerns. This research is done to explore if bioplastics could

be used to substitute petroleum-based plastics. Sustainable practices will assist us in

reducing our environmental impact and safeguarding resources for future generations.

Bioplastics help manufacturers stay competitive by allowing them to meet rising

customer demands for sustainability.

One of the disadvantages of cassava is its long cropping time. Between cassava

planting and harvest, cash-strapped growers struggle to support their families. The

cassava industry in the Philippines is at a crossroads. More market prospects, better

efficiency in production and processing, and enough support services from favorable

government policies are all required to improve the Philippines' cassava sector.

According to many investigations and studies, cassava starch is already on the market

due to its applications. Most issues, however, can be resolved with the proper

formulation. The capacity to increase customer demand for environmentally friendly

products and efforts to reduce pollution and reliance on petroleum-based products will

provide opportunities.

Foreign

According to the study conducted by Sriroth, K and Sangseethong K. (2006), there

has been a marked advance in the development of biodegradable plastics from

renewable resources, especially those derived from starch-based materials. This

research aims to develop biodegradable polymers that perform as well as regular

plastics in everyday situations and biodegrade fully when discarded. Several starch-

based polymers have been introduced and are now used in various applications.

Cassava starch is suitable for a variety of packaging applications in experiments.

Cassava is a viable raw material for producing biodegradable polymers in tropical and
subtropical regions because it is a significant source of starch there. As a result, using

cassava starch to make bioplastic can reduce pollution in society. The earlier study

focused on making biodegradable plastics, whereas the current study will exclusively

look at making bioplastic materials with cassava starch as the principal constituent.

Although this form of plastic is already commercially available, its manufacture and

improvement of final qualities remain a significant issue. Starch-based plastic has poor

mechanical qualities and a high water vapor permeability due to its hydrophilic nature,

limiting its applications. Different ways have been investigated to solve this challenge,

including starch modification, nanomaterial reinforcement, mix, and multilayer solutions.

Starch tends to melt and flow in the presence of plasticizers at high temperatures

and under shear, allowing it to be used in injection and blown film extrusion machinery.

This feature makes starch comparable to most synthetic, conventional polymers, with

the added benefits of being abundant, renewable, affordable, and biodegradable.

Starch-based polymers can be manufactured using the same procedures as today's

commercial plastics and have mechanical properties comparable to some polyolefin

plastics. The processing conditions have been demonstrated to substantially impact the

polymer structure and the mechanical and physical properties of the resultant plastic.

Extrusion, pressing, vacuum forming, and injection molding may be done using a

glycerol-based modifier to create a wholly sustainable and biodegradable material.

These plastics are environmentally friendly, recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable.

According to Udensi et al. (2009), starch was obtained from two cassava cultivars,

one with a high amylose content and the other with a high amylopectin content. They
were tested to see if they could make biodegradable polymers using different plasticizer

combinations. This indicates that the rate of degradability of bioplastics derived from

cassava is not influenced by the presence of amylose and amylopectin in the starch.

Aside from that, our product has shown that bioplastics create a starch from the

cultivar with better tensile strength than the other. When these results are compared,

bioplastics made from starch with a higher amylopectin content will have a higher

tensile strength.

The goal of the experiment is for the researchers to be able to aid society with its

environmental issues by manufacturing biodegradable plastic utilizing cassava starch.

The researchers in this study used scientific methods throughout. The researcher chose

environmentally friendly materials that are biodegradable and have no negative

consequences on society. Because the product is biodegradable, the conclusion is that

"cassava starch is one of the most promising raw materials" for producing

biodegradable plastics due to its large quantity availability and low cost. 2013 (Duran).

CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

A. RESEARCH DESIGN
 The experimental research design is made used for this study. The

researchers manipulated the independent variable, that is, different product

formulations, and a control group, the amount of cassava starch used. A

descriptive normative survey is administered where the results and the

findings of the research should be compared with the norm.

B. RESEARCH SETTING

The study was conducted at Brgy H-2 Dasmarinas, Cavite wherein the

researchers did the experiment.

C. RESEARCH PROCEDURE

 Collection of Materials

The researchers bought 100 grams of cassava starch and white vinegar in the

market in Bayan, Dasmarinas Cavite. The glycerin was bought in Paranaque City,

Manila, and was delivered by a courier.

 Preparation for the Making of Bioplastics Made of Cassava Starch

1. 3tbsp. of cassava starch

2. 1tsp of Glycerin

3. 1tspn. Acetic acid (vinegar)

4. 6tbsp. of water

5. Stainless cup

6. Measuring spoon
 Preparation of Making of Bioplastic from Cassava Starch

1. Measure the amount of cassava starch, water, glycerol, and vinegar in a

measuring spoon.

2. Dissolve it in a casserole

3. Stir it in low heat until a sticky paste is formed

4. Remove the starch-based mixture from the burner

5. After mixing all materials, the mixture is poured into container

6. Then, air dry the mixture for 10 days until a plastic like was formed from the

mixture.

D. Data Gathering

The bioplastic that is made from cassava starch underwent biodegradability,

durability, and comparability test.

The biodegradable plastic produced was cut into strips for testing.

1. Water Test- this test determine the solubility of biodegradable plastic when

exposed to liquid. Three strips of the biodegradable plastic were immersed

into three cups filled with tap water. The water in the cup measures 15 ml

each cup, and each with one strip of the produced plastic will be observed

based on time it dissolves and the amount of water it was immersed into.

2. Comparability- This test determined the differentiation between bioplastic

and polyethylene terephthalate or the normal plastic in terms of

biodegradability, durability, size, cost, and its chemical exposure to users.