The Potential of 'Musa acuminata Colla' Banana Blossom as a Source of Bioplastic

Flacy Algara 1,2,3 , Danica Keira Bello 1,2,3 , Trisha Angela Dela Cruz 1,2,3 , Ansherina Lyn Dela
Pena 1,2,3 , Gervin Lee Enero 1,2,3 , Angel Palmos 1,2,3 , Unysse Panganiban 1,2,3 , Almero Jr. San
Luis 1,2,3 , Greg Tajonera 1,2,3 , Althea Isabel Tampadong 1,2,3

Dianne Faye Topia, LPT1,2,3,4

1
Senior High School
2
Basic Education
3
Our Lady of Fatima
University

4
Research Adviser
1.0 Introduction

In today's day and age, plastics are seen as necessary materials, yet they also contribute to
pollution and the loss of non-renewable natural resources throughout their life cycles. When comparing
origin and biodegradability, bio-based plastics appear to be more environmentally benign than their
petroleum-based equivalents. (A.Chávez, C.Rosalía ; Edwards, Sally ; M.Eraso, Rafael et al, 2012)
Given that manufacturers are searching for cleaner and healthier materials to replace chemicals and
other materials of concern in consumer products, the development and commercialization of bio-based
plastics for a range of uses in products and packaging is also of great interest. Bio-based materials hold
great promise because they may potentially be composted or recycled, have renewable feedstocks, and
may even be produced with less energy than processing petroleum-based plastics.

The manufacture and disposal of synthetic plastics offer environmental and sustainability
challenges. Bio-based plastics may be able to address these issues. Yet, a number of problems continue
to make the widespread commercial deployment of bio-based plastics to replace traditional plastic
materials difficult. Some of the difficulties are due to the comparatively low performance, fluctuation
in the feedstock's qualities depending on where it is harvested and when, high production costs, and a
lack of infrastructure. (Mekonnen, T., P. Mussone, H. Khalil, D. Bressler, 2013)

The world is facing increasing environmental challenges, including the accumulation of plastic
waste in landfills, oceans, and other natural habitats. Bioplastics are emerging as a promising
alternative to conventional plastics, as they are derived from renewable sources and are biodegradable,
which makes them environmentally friendly. In this study, we will investigate the use of banana
blossom as a viable source for bioplastic production. Banana blossom is a commonly discarded part of
the banana plant, and its use as a raw material for bioplastic production could provide a sustainable
solution for reducing plastic waste. We will conduct experiments to determine the optimal conditions
for extracting and processing banana blossom that can be used to manufacture bioplastic products.

The results of this research will contribute to expanding the knowledge of bioplastic production
using unconventional raw materials and promote the use of sustainable materials in various industries.
This research could also provide a valuable insight into the potential of banana blossom as a sustainable
alternative to conventional plastic production, which can have positive impacts on the environment and
contribute to the reduction of plastic waste.
 1.1 Background of the Study

Banana blossom, which is an underutilized part of the banana plant, has been identified as a
potential source of bioplastics due to its high cellulose and lignin content. Cellulose and lignin are two
key components in plant cell walls that can be converted into bioplastics. The use of banana blossom
for bioplastic production has not been extensively studied. This experimental research aims to
investigate the feasibility of using banana blossom as a source of bioplastics and to optimize the
process for commercial-scale production. The study will explore the mechanical properties,
biodegradability, and other characteristics of the bioplastics made from banana blossom.

1.2 Statement of the problem

The study aimed to determine the level of Self-Efficacy and its relationship on the level of
Academic Procrastination of grade 12 senior high School excellence awardee enrolled in Our Lady of
Fatima Senior High School's Online Learning. Also, to determine whether there is a positive or
negative correlation through the following questions:

1. What are the environmental impacts of using banana blossom to create a bioplastic?

2. What methods can be done to create the bioplastic?

3. Can the use of natural additives such as vinegar improve the biodegradability and extract cellulose
to make banana blossom-based bioplastic?

4. How does the addition of titanium dioxide and glycerol as a plasticizer affect the tensile strength
and elasticity of banana blossom-based bioplastic?

5. Does the created bioplastic function effectively? Does it break easily?

1.3 Research Hypothesis

Null Hypothesis: There is no significant difference in the properties of bioplastic produced from 'Musa
acuminata Colla' banana blossom compared to traditional petrochemical-based plastic.

Alternative Hypothesis: 'Musa acuminata Colla' banana blossom can be used as a viable source for
producing bioplastic with properties that are comparable to traditional petrochemical-based plastic.

1.4 Significance of the study

The study's findings will be significantly beneficial to the following:

To the Community: This study will also be beneficial because they will be able to recycle and reuse
banana waste rather than simply leaving it behind. Additionally, it will help the environment by
exercising and avoiding the decomposed rotten banana in the field, which will spread diseases and pollute
the environment if thrown.

To the Business Owners: It is critical for a company to have good waste management for organic waste,
such as fruits and vegetables.This study's research will provide easier way in producing bioplastic that can
be made as an alternative packaging. This will assist to reduce their general garbage bin load while also
lowering expenses.

To Other researchers : This study can be utilized as a foundation for future research or duplicated with
other variables in a new location, context, or with different respondents. The findings will provide
potential research literature, which will help in the collection and support of relevant investigations. It is
proposed that research on the same parameters be enhanced or validated to improve the results of this
study. The findings of the study might be used to provide a conceptual framework for future research.

1.5 Scope and Limitation

The scope of this experimental research is to investigate the feasibility of using banana blossom
as a raw material for producing bioplastic. The study aims to determine the most suitable method for
extracting the necessary components from the banana blossom and optimizing the production process
to create a biodegradable plastic material. The research will involve a series of laboratory experiments
that will be conducted to evaluate the physical and chemical properties of the bioplastic produced.

The lack of raw banana blossom as a source of data limits the study. The only banana blossom
used in the research will be purchased from a local market and may vary in composition and quality.
The study has a set time limit for carrying out the experiments and reviewing the outcomes. It might
not be possible to examine every potential variation in the production process due to time limitations.
Another limitation is that the study will only consider the technical aspects of making bioplastic, and
making bioplastic from banana blossom on a large scale might not be feasible from an economic
standpoint.

1.6 Definition of terms

 Alternative - available as another possibility.

 Biodegradable - the ability for the material to be broken down naturally by the
organisms in an ecosystem.

 Bioplastic - a plastic derived from biological substances rather than from petroleum.

 Durability - the ability to withstand wear, pressure, or damage.

 Edible - suitable to be eaten.

 Elasticity - the ability of an object or material to resume its normal shape after being
stretched or compressed.

 Fluctuation - an irregular rising and falling in number or amount; a variation.

 Habitat - the natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organisms.

 Petroleum-based - fuels are made from crude oil and hydrocarbons contained in
natural gas.

 Recycling - the action or process of converting waste into reusable material.