TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Background of the Study …………………………………………………………………………...4

Objective of the Study………………………………………………………………………………...5

Statement of the Hypothesis…………………………………………………………………………6

Significance of the Study……………………………………………………………………………..6

Conceptual Framework………………………………………………………………………………7

Scope and Delimitation………………………………………………………………………………7

Definition of Terms……………………………………………………………………………………8

Chapter 2

Review of Related Literature

Foreign Literature……………………………………………………………………………………10

Locale Literature………………………………………………………………………………………10

Foreign Studies……………………………………………………………………………………….11

Locale Studies…………………………………………………………………………………………11

Chapter 3

1
Methodology

Materials and Equipment……………………………………………………………………………12

Treatment and Variables……………………………………………………………………………13

Flowchart of the Procedure…………………………………………………………………………14

General of the Procedure……………………………………………………………………………15

Data Gathering ………………………………………………………………………………………15

Data Analysis…………………………………………………………………………………………16

2
 CORNSTARCH AS AN ALTERNATIVE SOURCE MATERIAL IN BIO

PLASTIC

AT TARCELA ST.DOWNTOWN TACLOBAN CTY

SY 2022-2023

Abarondo, Leah Mae Gonzales, Geomar V.

Balais, Sean Rondulph Marl Z. Ranes, Jessamin

Duran, Elijah P. Silao, Ma. Clarisa V.

Daclizon, Rea Rose Villaflor, Jhen Darlene

Block 20 - STEM

A Research Proposal

Submitted in Partial fulfillment

Of the Course Practical Research 2

ACLC College of Tacloban

Senior High School Department

Tacloban City, Leyte

2022

3
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

This chapter includes the background of the study, objectives of the study,

statement of the hypothesis, conceptual framework, significance of the study, scope, and

limitations of the study, and definition of terms

Background of the Study

Bio-plastics are plastics made from plant materials such as sweet potatoes, soya bean oil,

sugarcane, hemp oil, and corn starch. Microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae

naturally degrade these polymers. Bio-plastics can assist in alleviating the energy crisis and

reduce our society’s reliance on fossil fuels. They have some remarkable properties that make

them suitable for a variety of applications. (Plastic Soup Foundation). This paper tries to give

insight into Bio-plastics, their composition, preparation, properties, special cases, advantages,

disadvantages, and life cycle of this product.

With the enhancement of global environmental protection awareness, new eco-friendly

packaging materials have gained more and more attention since the new century. Starch is one

of the most potent natural biodegradable materials due to its abundant source, low price, and

completely degradable characteristics. Starch-based materials with excellent biodegradability

can be widely used by improving their properties. This review starts with the structure of starch

and summarizes its phase transition during processing related to the packaging materials. Then,

we expound on the development stage of starch-based biodegradable materials and starch

modification. This part focuses on the research of starch-based composites formed by starch

derivatives, including none starch. Besides, extrusion molding and other modern molding

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methods are described in detail. Through the systematic elaboration of the above contents, the

connection among structure, phase transition, and processing can be found, which can better

broaden the application of starch-based biodegradable materials. Finally, various applications of

starch-based materials and prospects for future research are discussed. It is hoped to provide

the basic theory and reference for the research of starch-based biodegradable materials. Yu, X.,

Chen, L., Jin, Z. et al. Research progress of starch-based biodegradable materials: a review. J

Mater Sci 56, 11187–11208 (2021).

Corn starch is an organic material that has made progress in the eco-friendly packaging

industry. Derived from the corn or maize plant, corn starch has plastic-like properties making

this material a good plastic alternative in many contexts – from bottles to other molded forms

and loose-film packaging. While a more sustainable alternative to petroleum-based packaging,

corn starch is not without its problems. As this material is derived from the grains of corn, it

competes with human and animal food supply systems, possibly raising the price of corn, one of

our dietary staples. Hence, it is best to weigh up the pros and cons before using cornstarch

plastic. (Jane Courtnell, 2022)

Tarcela St. Downtown is one of the streets in Tacloban City Market and there are tons

of vendors selling different kinds of domestic products or materials that are essential to our daily

basis. Like, foods, clothes, spices, personal care items, etc. The researchers determine to

choose this locale because they find it more suitable for their studies.

Objectives of the study

The main objectives of this study is to examine the bio-plastic product made from a

corn- starch based with a yeast. The researchers also aim to obtain the following objectives:

1. To investigate the significance of adding a yeast to form a plastic made from corn starch.

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2. To assess the feasibility of producing a plastic based on corn starch.

3. To investigate the durability of the product made from a corn- starch based with and without

a yeast to the plastic materials.

4. To determine the environmental impact of corn-starch based polymers.

Statement of the hypothesis

This research aim to examine the effectiveness of adding a yeast to the bio-plastic corn

starch based materials.

Significance of the study

This study is beneficial to:

Consumers - This study can be utilized in a wide range of applications such as utensils,

packaging and single use of items. This can potentially lead to a reduction of traditional plastics.

Manufacturers - This study helps to provide a sustainable solution to the massive production of

plastic companies.

Sellers - This study will provide affordable, and eco-friendly packaging.

Future researchers - This research could be beneficial to future researchers because they can

use this as a reference to improve the possible implications of this study.

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Conceptual framework

Figure 1.

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

.
a. Negative effects of  Gathering data
hazardous plastics on  Prepare the materials
human health Alternative use of corn
needed
b. Environmental waste starch based to form
 Performing the activity
and pollution decomposable packaging
using the corn starch to
c. Carbon footprint materials plastics
make decomposable

packaging plastic

 Collection of data based

on the experiment

In The first frame is the input where the negative effects of hazardous plastics on

human health, environmental waste, pollution, and carbon footprint are presented.

The second frame presents the process of the study that involves gathering data,

preparing the materials needed, performing the activity using corn starch to make

decomposable packaging plastics, and collecting data based on the experiment.

Then the last frame presents the output or the dependent variable of the study, which is

the alternative use of corn starch based to form decomposable packaging materials plastic.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

The Scope of this study focuses on the impact and effectiveness of adding a yeast to

improvise durability of the bioplastics packaging materials.

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The respondents will be the vendors and consumers from Tarcela St. Tacloban City. This study

was conducted during the school year 2022-2023.

The delimitations of this study are the lack of decomposable plastic components, ease of

damage compared to conventional plastic inability to tolerate high temperatures, and the heat of

extinction of raw materials.

Definition of Terms

The following terms, which were important to the study had the following operational

meaning:

Bioplastics. Biodegradable materials come from renewable resources and can be used

to reduce the problem of plastic waste that is suffocating the planet and contaminating the

environment.

Carbon Footprint. It is “the total of all the greenhouse gas emissions that had to take

place for a product to be produced or for an activity to take place.” According to Mike Berners-

Lee, a professor at Lancaster University in the UK and author of The Carbon Footprint of

Everything.

Corn-Based Plastics. Primarily a biodegradable group of polymers that can be

manufactured from renewable resources. Corn starch-based plastics are starch-based

bioplastics in the form of disposable tableware and carrier bags. Bioplastics have widespread

applications in various industries, including the packaging industry.

Corn Starch. Is a white, tasteless, odorless powder, used in food processing, paper

making, and the production of industrial adhesives; it is also a component of many cosmetics

and oral pharmaceutical products. It has been used as a lubricant in surgical gloves.

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 Hazardous Plastic. An ever-growing threat that endangers the environment, health, and

economic development. Trafficking includes electrical and electronic equipment (e-waste), low-

quality scrap plastic, ozone-depleting substances (ODS), and end-of-life vehicles (ELV).

Polymer. Materials made of long, repeating chains of molecules. The materials have

unique properties, depending on the type of molecules being bonded and how they are bonded.

Some polymers bend and stretch, like rubber and polyester. Others are hard, like epoxies and

glass.

Yeast. (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is a rich source of protein, soluble fiber, and some

minerals.

Glycerol.  Used as a plasticiser to produce starch-based biodegradable films.

Vinegar. A dilute solution of acedic acid, used in culinary practice as a flavoring foods,

use either directly or as an ingredient of mustard, ketchup, or mayonnaise and in pickling.

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 CHAPTER 2

This chapter discusses the relevant literature and studies that the researcher

considered when determining the significance of the current study. It also provides a

synthesis of the art to fully comprehend the research for a better understanding of the

study.

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Foreign Literature

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 Leo H. declared the advent of the "plastic age" in 1907, and since then, people's lives

have become dependent on plastic. Chemicals, food, cosmetics, medications, and other items

are all frequently packaged in plastic to protect and preserve them. As a result, plastic waste is

frequently burned or buried as a means of disposal, jeopardizing the ecological system and

risking public health by polluting the land, water, and air. Plastic output has increased at a

compound annual growth rate of 8.4% since it began in large quantities in 1950.

Around 348 million tons of plastic were produced globally in 2017, which is nearly 174

times more than in 1950. Plastic makes up between 60 and 95 percent of marine garbage,

making it a major pollutant in water sources. These plastic fragments get into marine animals

and move up the food chain, where they eventually end up.

Local Literature

Today, plastics play an important part in both industry and our home appliances. At the

moment, more and more nations have put restrictions and prohibitions on single-use plastics

into place. Most bioplastics are anticipated to decrease carbon dioxide emissions, plastic waste,

and the use of fossil fuels. About 50% of the currently available bioplastics are made from

starch. Bioplastics made from starch are commonly utilized in packaging and are simple to

create. For commercial uses, starch-based polymers are typically mixed with eco-friendly

polyesters.

Foreign Studies

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 The most typical use of polythene and related polymers is in packaging. A straightforward

argument is made in favor of public policies that alter consumer habits, contribute to

environmental problems, and encourage product and process innovation over the course of a

product's life cycle in Bioplastics: A Case Study of the Italian Bio-Economy. The manufacturing

of bio-plastic is now the most effective and promising solution to the aforementioned issues,

although adoption is gradual. The absence of a distinct and unanimous opinion across the EU is

one of the obstacles.

Local Studies

The raw materials used in plastic are biopolymers derived from renewable resources

such as cellulose, corn, starch, and soya, which are ground into powder and mixed with a

solution. Non-biodegradable plastic takes a long time to degrade and is harmful to our

environment, especially when improperly disposed of. By the request approval, the city

government has also permitted the continued use of biodegradable plastics in stores and malls

before using paper bags. Reusable bags, recyclable paper bags, and compostable or

biodegradable bags, including biodegradable plastic bags, are acceptable alternatives. The

disadvantage is that not all plastics, such as single-use plastics that cannot be recycled, can be

replaced with biodegradable polymers. The cost of biodegradable polymers is slightly higher

than that of synthetic plastic. As a feedstock for the development of biodegradable-based

materials, starch has numerous applications.

CHAPTER 3

12
 METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the discussion of materials and equipment, treatment and variables,

flowchart presentation of the procedures, general procedures, data gathering, and data

analysis.

Materials and Equipment

To accomplish the study, the research will be utilizing the following materials and

equipment.

MATERIALS:

 Cornstarch

 Distilled water

 Glycerol or glycerin

 Vinegar

 Yeast

 Parchment Paper

EQUIPMENT:

 Stove

 Saucepan

 Silicone Spatula

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Treatment and Variables

For the researchers to create a bioplastic, the treatment in this procedure involves the

preparation of corn starch. All of the ingredients should be a mix.

Before you start the procedure make sure that the saucepan has been heated within 1

minute. After that, put the water (constant variables), mixed it with 1/4kg of cornstarch along

with the 250 grams of yeast, and add 0.25kg of glycerol along with the 18.05 ml vinegar. Stir it

continuously, the heat should be maintained at a medium-low temperature. The estimated total

heating time is around 10-15 minutes, remove the mixture when it becomes clear and thick. The

mixture of corn starch along with the other ingredient should be set aside for two days.

Flowchart of the Procedure

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General Procedure
This chapter provides the following procedure:

1. Gather the necessary materials

The first step of the experiment will be to prepare the materials which will be used which are

as follows: Cornstarch, glycerol or also known as glycerin, distilled water, vinegar, stove, a

saucepan, and silicone spatula. The said ingredients should be readily available at mercury or

grocery stores.

2. Combine all ingredients and stir together

All the ingredients should be mixed into the saucepan and stirred with the use of a

spatula. Stir until you get rid of most of the lumps in the mixture. At this stage, the mixture would

be a milky white and quite watery.

*When adding several ingredients, it should be precise.

3. Heat on medium-low

The heat should be medium-low. Stir it continuously as the mixture heats. Transfer it to a

gentle boil. As the mixture heats, it will become more translucent and begin to thicken.

*When it becomes clear and thick, remove the mixture from the heat.

*Around 10-15 minutes is the total heating time.

*If the mixture becomes overheated, lumps may begin to form.

4. Pour the mixture onto foil or parchment paper

Spread the heated mixture onto a piece of foil or parchment paper to let it cool. For you to

mold the plastic into a shape, it must be done when it is still warm.

*Remove any bubbles that you see by poking them with a toothpick.

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5. Dry it for at least two days

When it cools, it will begin to dry out. For the plastic to dry and harden, it will cost time. If you

make one small thick piece it can take longer to dry than a thinner larger piece.

*Leave the plastics in a cool, dry place for this process. And check it after two days, to see if the

plastic has fully hardened.

Data Gathering

In gathering data, the quality of bioplastics using the corn starch-based measure the

amount of time to decompose the corn starch-based bioplastics.

Data Analysis

To test the hypothesis, we gathered experiments to examine the tensile strength of the

cornstarch-based bioplastic. It will be interpreted using the result of the data gathered.

16
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Alina Bradford (2017, October) What is a Polymer?. https://www.livescience.com/60682-

polymers.html

Camile Francesca M. Cabrera, Jessica C. Ombrog, Joel Hardy S. Carpio, Joshua Mercado,

Romico S. Sumampong (2019, March) Cornstarch as an Alternative Source Material in Making

Bio Plastic. https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/saint-jude-college-dasmarinas/bs-pscyh/

cornstarch-as-an-alternative-source-material-in-making-bio-plastic/22879321?

fbclid=IwAR0ouEp3Bm2Yf3K3qyLxW1jiT98izsnLTbiJjVFmRr3BiehlO6eKp8Q8B2k

David M. Kuchta (2022, December) What Are Bioplastics? Overview and Impacts.

https://www.treehugger.com/what-are-bioplastics-6829398

Elsevier B.V. (2023) Starch. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-

sciences/corn-starch

Global Industry Analysis (2012-2016) Corn - Based for Packaging Market.

https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/corn-based-plastics-packaging-market

G. M. Walker (2009) Yeast. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-

sciences/yeast

Hao C., Long C., David J. MC., Tianyi Y., Zipei Z., Fei Ren, Min M., Yaoqi T., Zhengyu J. (2021,

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J. K. Aronson MA, DPhil, MBChB, FRCP, HonFBPhS, HonFFPM (2016) Vinegar.

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https://www.actenviro.com/what-is-hazardous-waste/

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