Dioscorea rotundata Amylum as a Raw Material for the Production of Bioplastic

A Research Paper Presented to the Faculty of Senior High School

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Strand

Basic Education Division, Liloan National High School

Poblacion, Liloan, Cebu, Philippines

In Partial Fulfillment

Of the Requirements for the Applied Subject

Research Project

June Mico D. Abela

Roxanne I. Agcopra

Danica Chloe Ano-os

Lyla Caryl A. Cabatingan

Mary Jean P. Cañete

Andrea A. Pepito

Hannah Jhane Quijano

GRADE 12-STEM A
 APPROVAL SHEET

This research paper entitled “Dioscorea rotundata Amylum as a Raw Material for the
Production of Bioplastic” was prepared by June Mico D. Abela, Roxanne I. Agcopra,
Danica Chloe Ano-os, Lyla Caryl A. Cabatingan, Andrea A. Pepito, Mary Jean Pepito, and
Hannah Jhane Quijano of Grade 12-STEM A as a partial fulfillment of the requirements in
Research Project has been examined and recommended for acceptance and approved for oral
examination.

MRS. GENELIZA N. DIMPAS

Research Adviser

PATTERSON D. PONCE CHRYSTELLE MAE E. ANGULO

Member Member

PANEL OF EXAMINERS

This research paper is approved by the Committee on Oral Examination with a rating of
PASSED on , 2022.

MRS. GENELIZA N. DIMPAS

Research Adviser

PATTERSON D. PONCE CHRYSTELLE MAE E. ANGULO

Member Member
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents Page

TITLE PAGE…………………………………………………………………………….1
APPROVAL SHEET…………………………………………………………………….2
TABLE OF CONTENTS………………………………………………………………3-4
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT…………..…………………………………………………. 5
DEDICATION ………………………………..…………………………………………6
ABSTRACT……………………………………………………………………………...7

CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION
Rationale…………………………………………………………………………..8-9
Statement of the Problem………………………………………………………… .10
Hypothesis …………………………………………………………………………11
Scope and Delimitations……………………………………………………………11
Significance of the Study………………………………………………………….12
Conceptual Use of Terms …………………………………………………………13

CHAPTER II: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Literature Review………………………………………………………………..14-18
Flow of the Study…………………………………………………………………..19
Conceptual Framework…………………………………………………………..19-20

CHAPTER III: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Design……………………………………………………………………21
Research Materials………………………………………………………………....21
Research Environment/Locale……………………………………………………21-22
Data Gathering Procedure………………………………………………………...22-24
Treatment Procedure……………………………………………………………...24-25
Statistical Treatment and Data Analysis…………………….……………………25-27
CHAPTER IV: INTERPRETATION OF DATA
Presentations, Analysis and Interpretation of data……………………………….28-35
CHAPTER V: CONCLUSIONS
Summary of Findings…………………………………………………………….36
Conclusion………………………………………………………………………36-37
Recommendations…………………………………………………………..……37

REFERENCES……………………………………………………………………...…38-40
APPENDICES…………………………………………………………………….…...41-46
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Flow of the Study……………………………………………………….189
Figure 2: Conceptual framework of the Study…………………………………….19
Figure 3: Research Environment/Locale…………………………………………..22
Figure 4: Regression Analysis Graphical Result…………………………………..31
Figure 5: Extraction of Yam Starch……………………………………………..…42
Figure 6: Mixing of Ingredients …………………………………………………...42
Figure 7: Making of Bioplastic…………………………………………………….43
Figure 8: Drying of Bioplastic……………………………………………………...43
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Materials and its Specific Amount Used in the Preparation………………22
Table 2: Equipments and its Specific Quantity Used in the Making of Yam Starch and
Bioplastic……………………………………………………………………………………23
Table 3: Polynomial Regression Test……………………………………………….25
Table 4: Mean……………………………………………………………………….26
Table 5: Pre-ANOVA Analysis……………………………………………..……26-27
Table 6: One-Way ANOVA Analysis………………………………………………27
Table 7: Tensile Test Results………………………………………………………..28
Table 8: Water Absorption Test Results…………………………………………….29
Table 9: Regression Analysis Result……………………………………./….…...29-30
Table 10: Mean Results………………………………………………………...……32
Table 11: Pre-ANOVA Analysis Results…………………………………..……32-33
Table 12: One-Way ANOVA Analysis Results……………………………..….…...33
Table 13: Perceptions Survey Result…………………………………………..…….34
Table 14: Tensile Test Raw Data………………………………………………..…..42
Table 15: Water Absorption Test Raw Data………………………………………...42
Table 16: Survey Questionnaire……………………………………………….…43-44
CURRICULUM VITAE…………………………………………………………..…....44-50
 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

This study became successful with the help of many individuals. As for their
unwavering support and help, we would like to extend our profound appreciation to all of
them.

Above all, we want to express our sincerest gratitude to the Almighty Father who
guided and provided us knowledge, courage, wisdom and effort all throughout this study.
Moreover, to our parents’ financial and emotional support, we are always grateful to them.

We would also want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our research teacher, Mrs.
Geneliza N. Dimpas for her guidance and teachings. She is a very important factor in this
successful research study. To the panel examiners who approved in partial fulfillment of the
requirements in Research Project, a special thanks to them.

Furthermore, for those people who helped us indirectly, your contribution is also
well appreciated and recognized. Lastly, we want to thank ourselves for our immense effort
and hard work to finish this study successfully despite the challenges we had faced all
throughout this journey.

Upon finishing this study, we have realized that we cannot successfully finish this
without the help of people mentioned above. We offer our deepest gratitude to all of you.
May the God bless us all.
 DEDICATION

This research report is dedicated to the parents of the researchers who have provided
unwavering support and inspiration throughout the project. They are the ones who gave
emotional, spiritual, moral and financial support to the researches all throughout the study.

Of course to our research adviser, Mrs. Geneliza N. Dimpas, for her enormous work
and patience in guiding us throughout the research and assisting us in better understanding
the essential steps of this research.

This study is also dedicated to the school, which allows the researchers to develop,
test, and collaborate to build this study.

And above all, we looked up and dedicated this entire study to our Almighty God,
who provided us with the power, knowledge, wisdom, protection, and will to persevere and
remain optimistic in order to complete this research.
 ABSTRACT

This research study investigates the potential of Dioscorea rotundata tubers as a raw
material for bioplastic together with other ingredients like water, vinegar and glycerin.
Various samples of bioplastics are produced with different composition of yam-starch. The
samples contain 25%, 50% and 75% yam starch, respectively. The study adopts an
experimental research design, employing quantitative methods to assess the effectiveness of
Dioscorea rotundata amylum as a primary ingredient. Ten science teachers from Liloan
National High School were interviewed to gather insights about the quality, accessibility, and
environmental effectiveness of yam-based bioplastics. Standardized tests from the ASTM
(American Society for Testing and Materials) were utilized, including the Tensile test to
evaluate strength and durability, and the Water Absorption test to assess moisture resistance.

This research study also includes evaluating the effectiveness of various sample sets
of Dioscorea rotundata amylum by employing a comprehensive range of testing parameters.
Specifically, the study considers Tensile test and Water Absorption test as indicators of
effectiveness. To ascertain the sample set with the highest effectiveness, the researchers
employed Regression Analysis, a statistical approach that assess the relationship between
variables. To quantify the average effectiveness level of Dioscorea rotundata amylum, the
mean was utilized. Furthermore, the study utilized One-Way ANOVA Analysis to identify
significant difference among the sample sets concerning the different testing parameters.
Based to the results obtained from the different statistical treatment, Sample 3 with 75% yam
starch has the highest effectiveness in terms of different testing paramaters, and there is no
significant difference between sets of sample. In conclusion, we accept the null hypothesis
and reject the alternative hypothesis.
 CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION

Rationale or Background of the Study

The use of plastic is deeply embedded in our daily lives. The world is producing twice
as much plastic waste as two decades ago, with the bulk of it ending up in landfill,
incinerated or leaking into the environment, and only 9% is successfully recycled while 22%
is mismanaged (OECD, 2022). In 2020, the world was estimated to generate 2.24 billion
tonnes of solid waste, amounting to a footprint of 0.79 kilograms per person per day. With
rapid population growth and urbanization, annual waste generation is expected to increase by
73% from 2020 levels to 3.88 billion tonnes in 2050 (The World Bank, 2022). According to
the Ocean Conservancy, the Philippines is the third-ranking contributor to plastic pollution in
the world, with at least 2.7 million metric tons of plastic waste generated every year
(Braganza, 2017).

Plastics are becoming an essential component of the modern world. Its excellent
"long-life" feature is causing its use in several sectors to grow quickly. However, the natural
degradation of typical plastics made from non-renewable resources like coal, oil, and gas
takes decades or even centuries. Biodegradable plastics, often known as bioplastics, are types
of polymers that are produced from plant resources that decompose "naturally." In recent
decades ,the plastic industry and the academic community have been together looking for
new raw materials to replace the petrochemical polymers, which are produced from
non-renewable resources. Bioplastic films were prepared by using 3% (w/w) starch powder,
glycerol (plasticizer) of about 1.5% (w/w) and with three different proportion of bentonite
(filler) powder (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% w/w) in 100 mL of distilled water (DW) (Luckham and
Rossi, 1999, Kar et al., 2016, Shanmathy et al., 2021). The current research examines the best
way for extracting starch from yams and creates a process for making bioplastic from them
(Dioscorea). Yam (Dioscorea) has 600 species, and among them, ten species are stapled yam.
The amylase content in yam is about 30% which has great potential to form films. Yam starch
films contain a homogeneous matrix which provides a steady structure at ambient conditions.
Also, starch films possess remarkable O2 hindrance properties because of their firmly pressed
systematic bonded grouped and low dissolubility (Dos Santos Caetano et al., 2018). But the
disadvantages of starch films are their brittleness behavior (Vu, et al., 2016). So, to overcome
this innate starch films, the integration of a plasticizer is necessary.

This research study is an innovation to the studies conducted which focused on the
usual starch used like the cornstarch. The researchers used different type of starch which is
the Dioscorea rotundata amylum that is the main focus of the study. It was examined on how
effective it is by undergoing tests that checks the quality of the bioplastic. The researchers
chose Dioscorea rotundata variant because it is not only good for our environment but also
easily accessible and safer.
Statement of the Problem

This experimental study seeks to make a bioplastic with Dioscorea rotundata amylum
as the main raw material. It also investigates the effectiveness level of this innovative
bioplastic as compared to other available products in the market.
It aims to establish answers to the following research questions:

1. Which set of samples of Dioscorea rotundata bioplastic has the highest effectiveness in
terms of:
1.1 Tensile Test (N/m);
1.2 Water Absorption Test (%);

2. What is the average effectiveness level of Dioscorea rotundata amylum bioplastic in

terms of its:
2.1 Tensile Test (N/m)
2.2 Water Absorption Test (%);

3. Based on the results, is there significant difference between sets of samples in terms
of different testing parameters?

4. What are the perceptions of Science teachers of Liloan National High School to the
bioplastic in terms of its:
4.1 Quality
4.2 Accessibility
4.4 Environmental Effectiveness

5. What conclusions or recommendations can be derived from the results of the study?
Hypotheses

Ho1: There is no significant difference between the three sets of sample in terms of
different testing parameters
Ha1: There is a significant difference between the three sets of sample in terms of
different testing parameters

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This experimental study focuses on Dioscorea rotundata amylum as the main material
for the bioplastic, an alternative for synthetic and conventional plastics. Dioscorea rotundata
amylum came from the tuber of its plant which is then made into starch by following the
standardized steps from Oladejo(2019). The root crop Dioscorea rotundata or white yam is a
subspecies of yam native to Africa. Yams are usually starchy than most root crops which
means it is perfect for making useful inventions that requires a lot of starch like the
production of bioplastic.

The objective of this study is to know how effective is Dioscorea rotundata amylum
or known as the white yam starch to be the alternative material of cornstarch, the usual starch
used in most bioplastic. The materials that will be used in this experiment are Dioscorea
rotundata amylum, distilled water, glycerine/glycerol, and vinegar/acetic acid with 5%
acidity. Three sets of samples with different measurement of Dioscorea rotundata amylum
will be used in the experimentation. The experiment will be done in Liloan National High
School Science Laboratory, a place where the materials and equipment needed are present
and where safety is ensured. The product will undergo Tensile test and Water Absorption test
to ensure its quality.

This study will be carried out to the utmost financial budget and amount of time the
researchers can afford.
Significance of the Study

The main purpose of this research is to lessen the reliance of humans on

non-biodegradable plastics that have traces of fossil fuels while reducing the carbon footprint
of it. The result of this study will provide a significant impact on the following beneficiaries:

Community/Consumers. The result of the study will raise their awareness with
regards to the alternative they could use to replace non-biodegradable plastics. It will help in
some areas’ problems concerning ecological imbalance.

Environmentalists. The outcome of this research will aid in the reduction and
replacement of conventional plastics which are harmful to the environment. Therefore, it is a
huge environmental benefit that microbes can degrade these polymers.

Government Law-makers. The outcome of this research will urge the government
law-makers to promote the biodegradability and effectiveness of Dioscorea rotundata
Amylum as Bioplastic.

Future Researchers. They will profit from this since it will provide data and insights
they can use as a resource for research of a similar nature. They could offer a deeper insight
that would strengthen the thesis of this study.

Students. The findings of this study will benefit the students by providing them with
innovative ideas. This research can be useful to students who want to preserve nature and
practice environmental responsibility.

Business Establishments. The result of this study can be advantageous and highly
beneficial to business establishments. It is convenient to the brand image and it also lowers
the energy cost of the business establishments which makes them eco-friendly.
Conceptual and Operational Definition of Terms

Amylum - is also called as starch; a complex carbohydrate found chiefly in seeds,

fruits, tubers, roots and stem pith of plants, notably in corn, potatoes, wheat,
and rice

Bioplastic - a type of biodegradable plastic derived from biological substances rather than
from petroleum or any fossil fuel.

Carbon Footprint - the amount of carbon dioxide and other carbon compounds emitted due
to the consumption of fossil fuels by a particular person, group, etc.

Conventional Plastic - are made from a non-renewable resource, petroleum, which is

increasing in cost as it becomes more scarce.

Dioscorea rotundata - white yam, a subspecies of yam native to Africa. It is one of the most
important cultivated yams.

Fossil Fuel - a natural fuel such as coal or gas, formed in the geological past from the
remains
of living organisms.

Raw Material - crude or processed material that can be converted by manufacture,

processing, or combination into a new and useful product.

Renewable Resources - are those resources that continue to exist despite being consumed or
can replenish themselves over a period of time even as they are use.

Synthetic Plastic - are derived from petroleum oil, and made by scientists and engineers.
 CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter presents the relevant works of literature that the researchers considered,
after a thorough and in-depth search done, in strengthening the importance of the present
study. This will also present the flow of the study to be done.

Related Literature

Dilshad, et al. (2021) states that the term “bioplastics”refers to chemically unrelated
products that are manufactured exclusively or partially from renewable biomass sources such
as agricultural products or microbes such as bacteria, yeast, and sometimes several
nanometre-sized carbohydrate chains (polysaccharides). Bioplastics prepared from renewable
means can be naturally recycled by biological processes, thus limiting the use of fossil fuels
and shielding the environment. Usually, foodstuffs with limited shelf life including fresh
vegetables and fruits as well as those with long shelf life like cooked food items which are
not in the need of increased oxygen supply are parceled using these bioplastics. Mainly, the
enzymatic actions of microorganisms cause bioplastics polymers to decay into CO2, H2O,
and other inorganic compounds.

According to Teseme (2020), particular attention has been given in the recent years
for the development of biodegradable polymers from renewable resources, and one of these
biopolymers is starch. Starch is a cheap and low density biopolymer that is totally
biodegradable and can be blended with other polymers to produce composites with tailored
properties. Starch can be found in various sources of cereals, roots and tubers, such as rice,
potatoes, corn, yam, wheat, cassava, and taro. The purpose of this paper review was to study
the manufacturing of biodegradable plastic packaging film from root and tubers starch.

Marichelvam (2021) added that starch is a flexible material, making it suitable for
making packing materials. Additionally, the development of starch-based bioplastic materials
has many benefits for the environment such as reducing fossil fuel usage, plastic waste, and
carbon dioxide emissions. The starch can be sourced from private fields dedicated to
producing starch for this specific purpose as well as from by-products from the milling
industry (1). Finally, the market is relatively new and growing rapidly with continuous
increases in revenue. While bioplastics currently make up 1% of the 300 million tons of
plastics produced in a year, it is estimated to grow to 2.44 million by 2022 (2).

Haroon, et al. (2016) on the other hand, explained that starch is a biopolymer of plant
origin which is cheap and abundant and has many applications in food and non-food
industries. However, in the native form, its applications are limited due to shortcomings, such
as loss of viscosity and thickening power upon cooking and storage, retrogradation
characteristics and absence of certain groups responsible for a particular function, etc. So, in
order to reduce its limitations and improve its applications, modification of starch is
necessary.

Omotoso, et al. (2015) also explained that the effectiveness of plasticizer (glycerol)
on the mechanical properties of starch-based film. The study reported that 59% of glycerol
content increased the tensile strength up to 5.74 MPa. This study also states that native and
modified starches were then used to prepare plastic film, however, the mechanical properties
of the films improved when the starches were modified. Thus, the study indicates that
modified starches including yam (Dioscorea) starch, improved the mechanical properties of
the film in making bioplastics that are beneficial and capable of replacing the popular
synthetic plastic materials that are not environmentally friendly.

Henceforth, Oluwasina et al. (2021) added that most bioplastics are starch-based and
are not without drawbacks, hence there is the need for their properties to be improved. The
study examined the effect of varying concentrations of dialdehyde starch and silica solutions
on the physical, mechanical, biodegradable, surface topology, and thermal properties of the
bioplastic films . The research has demonstrated that bioplastic film produced with starch and
dialdehyde starch solution has better properties than the one produced with starch and silica
solution.

Bioplastics are gaining more attention over synthetic plastics owing to their
non-hazardous properties. Earlier studies had reported the biodegradation and solubility
properties of yam starch-based bioplastic; however, its mechanical properties with
reinforcement were not studied. The present work focuses on the development of yam
(Dioscorea) starch-based bioplastic film with glycerol as a plasticizer. Bioplastics are
considered green materials alternatives to plastic and they are produced from renewable
resources such as yam, corn and potatoes, or microorganism under certain conditions. In
addition, most researchers are concerned with renewable resources for non-food use such as
bioplastic production (Behera, et al., 2022).

As stated by Sarkingobir and Lawal (2021) that conventional plastics are formed from
oil-based sources. Exploration and utilization of oil-based materials to form plastics is
harmful to the environment. Whereas, bioplastics are normally obtained from renewable
sources, thus reducing pollution of the environment. Bioplastics are easily degraded by
microbes into end products such as water, carbon dioxide, methane, biomass, and inorganic
compounds in a few months thereby saving the environment from the pollution elicited by
conventional plastics. Some of the bioplastics are durable, requiring a few years to be
completely degraded. This property is not harmful to the environment because the
end-products are naturally occurring in the ecosystem.

As stated in the study of Atiwesh, et al. (2021) that petroleum-based plastics are
associated with many environmental problems, including greenhouse gas emissions,
persistence in marine and terrestrial environments, pollution, etc. On the other hand,
bioplastics form a rapidly growing class of polymeric materials that are commonly presented
as alternatives to conventional petroleum-based plastics.Overall, studies discussed in this
review article show that the harms associated with bioplastics are less severe as compared to
conventional plastics. Moreover, as new types of bioplastics are developed, it becomes
important that future studies conduct thorough life cycle and land use change analyses to
confirm the eco-friendliness of these new materials.

Copolla, et al. (2021) also discussed that bio-based plastic research is taking attention
for a sustainable and greener environment with a lower footprint on the environment. This
evaluation should be made considering the whole life cycle assessment of the proposed
technologies to make a whole range of biomaterials. Bio-based and biodegradable bioplastics
can have similar features as conventional plastics while providing extra returns because of
their low carbon footprint as well as additional features in waste management, like
composting. Interest in competitive biodegradable materials is growing to limit
environmental pollution and waste management problems. Bioplastics are defined as plastics
deriving from biological sources and formed from renewable feedstocks or by a variation of
microbes, owing to the ability to reduce the environmental effects.
 The accumulation of plastic wastes in different environments has become a topic of
major concern over the past decades; therefore, technologies and strategies aimed at
mitigating the environmental impacts of petroleum products have gained worldwide
relevance. In this scenario, the production of bioplastics mainly from polysaccharides such as
starch is a growing strategy and a field of intense research. The use of plasticizers, the
preparation of blends, and the reinforcement of bioplastics with lignocellulosic components
have shown promising and environmentally safe alternatives for overcoming the limitations
of bioplastics, mainly due to the availability, biodegradability, and biocompatibility of such
resources. This review addresses the production of bioplastics composed of polysaccharides
from plant biomass and its advantages and disadvantages (Abe, et al., 2021).

According to the investigation of Pattanayak & Pandey (2021), it also explained that
the extraction of the optimum quantity of starch develops a method for producing bioplastic
from yam. Preparation of plastic from starch overall follows a polymerization, gelatinization,
neutralization, heating and cooling. Hydrochloric acid and plasticizer (glycerol/glycerine or
sorbitol) plays a vital role in plastic film preparation.

Once the most beloved commodity plastics have now become a liability. With
Environmental degradation, improper waste disposal it is high time we search for alternatives
which can also alleviate stress from conventional sources of energy from producing it.
Bio-plastics are environment-friendly and biodegradable hence provide an effective way to
replace the conventional plastics. In this paper we review starch as a source for producing
bioplastics (Saraswat, et al., 2014).

Gómez, et al. (2021) on the other hand, explained that biodegradable film packaging
has been developed to replace synthetic films in order to protect the integrity of food in
response to consumer demand for fresh food and environmental concern. The objective of
this work was to evaluate the significant effect of starch, starch concentration, and glycerol
on the barrier, mechanical, physical, and structural properties of films made with yam starch
(Dioscorea Amylum).

Biomass-derived bioplastic has potential to replace conventional plastic of fossil origin

in plastic applications where sufficiently similar material properties can be achieved. The
desired result of substitution would support the plastics industry with renewable resources
and also lead to a reduction in fossil CO2 emissions. These conditions are necessary for
sustainable development and it is equally vital to prevent the shift of the environmental
problem. In order to support the introduction of bioplastics into the market, it is important to
focus on products that have a high potential for environmental sustainability when replacing
conventional plastic. In the current research study the researchers noticed the threat of plastic
nowadays since the amount of plastic used everyday gets bigger and bigger which can harm
our environment (Koch and Mlhalyi, 2018).

Traditional plastic according to Cho (2017) is made from petroleum-based raw

materials. Some say bioplastics made from 20 percent or more of renewable materials could
be the solution to plastic pollution. The often-cited advantages of bioplastic are reduced use
of fossil fuel resources, a smaller carbon footprint, and faster decomposition. Bioplastic is
also less toxic and does not contain bisphenol A (BPA), a hormone disruptor that is often
found in traditional medicine. The researchers will examine whether using bioplastics instead
of traditional plastics enables the development of creative, alternative solutions. The
researchers will test if the biodegradable polymers enable us to improve end-life situations
for recycling and disposal
Flow of the Study

Figure 1: Flow of the Study

Conceptual Framework

Figure 2: Conceptual Framework of the Study

 To visualize how this research goes, the researchers made a visual representation using
basic signs and symbols like the boxes and lines that connect it.

To explain this, the researchers wanted to test the effectiveness of Dioscorea rotundata
amylum as a primary raw ingredient in making bioplastic together with ingredients like
water, vinegar and glycerine. The researchers also want to know if these bioplastics can pass
these tests from different standards to test how reliable it is. Tensile test and Water
Absorption test used here are from the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) .
Tensile test is used to measure the force required to break a polymer composite specimen and
the extent to which the specimen stretches or elongates to that breaking point. Water
Absorption test is used to determine the amount of water absorbed under specified conditions.
These tests are to be conducted to ensure the quality and reliability of these bioplastics.
 CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY

This chapter includes the research methodology. In more detail, this chapter discussed
the research design, research environment/locale, research materials, sampling procedure,
data analysis, data gathering procedure, and treatment procedure.

Research Design

This study is quantitative research and the research design used is experimental
research design. This aims to know how effective is Dioscorea rotundata amylum as a
primary raw ingredient for the production of bioplastic where the independent variable is the
bioplastic itself and the dependent variables are the Tensile test, and Water Absorption test,
which came from the standard ASTM or the American Society for Testing and Materials.

Research Materials

The subject of this study is composed of white yam starch (Dioscorea rotundata
amylum) as the main material of the study, which came from the tuber of the plant, distilled
water, glycerine, and vinegar with 5% acidity. Since the researchers will be dealing with a
chemical and some materials that might harm them, gloves and other personal protective
equipment will be used.

Research Environment/Locale

The study will be conducted at Liloan National High School Science laboratory that is
located in Barangay Poblacion, Liloan, Cebu. It can be found with a map coordinates of
10.39839° N, 124.00063° E. The experimentation process was held in the researcher’s school
which has the right equipments needed to conduct the study.
 Figure 3: Research Environment/Locale

Data Gathering Procedures

In the experimentation stage of this study, three setups were used. The first setup has
25% of white yam starch, the second has 50%, and the last one has 75%. The independent
variable in this study is the white yam starch (Dioscorea rotundata amylum).

Table 1: Materials and its Specific Amount Used in the Preparation

Materials Amount Price

white yam 5kg To be calculated

water 600mL Personally Available

glycerine 60ml P 127.00

vinegar 50ml P 154.75

 Table 2: Equipments and its Specific Quantity Used in the Making of Yam Starch and
Bioplastic

Equipments Quantity

tin foil 1 roll

Hammer mill 1

Casserole 1

Knife 3

Bowl 3

Stirring rod 1

beaker 6

Graduated cylinder 1

Laboratory Hotplate 1

Extraction of yam starch

The extraction of yam starch is necessary before the making of bioplastic. The following
are steps to be followed by the researchers in extracting yam starch from the standardized
procedure of Oladejo (2019):
1. Clean to remove sand and dirt
2. Peel manually using knives
3. Slice peeled yam tubers into uniform size chips. This is to enable the chips to dry
faster at the same time and temperature.
4. Clean/Rinse chips with water
5. Dry yam chips in a cabinet dryer. Ensure yam chips are properly dried.
6. Mill dried chips into a fine flour using a hammer mill
7. Cool milled flour before packaging to reduce the heat generated as a result of milling
8. Sieve to remove particles
Making of the Bioplastic
The following are the steps to be followed by the researchers in making bioplastic
which is from the standardized procedure of Castellanza (2020):
1. Prepare the materials needed in the experimentation.
2. In a casserole, put the materials(white yam starch, water, glycerin, and vinegar) and
mix it well.
3. Heat it under a medium heat and stir constantly until it becomes sticky.
4. Prepare a sheet of tin foil on a flat container and pour the mixture in it. Level the
mixture evenly in the flat container and let it dry until it becomes transparent.

Treatment Procedure

To determine the efficiency of the Dioscorea rotundata amylum as a primary raw

ingredient for the production of bioplastic, the researcher conducted an experiment to test its
quality and reliability using standardized tests.

Tensile Test
Steps used for tensile strength test are from ASTM D3039, which is used to measure the
force required to break a polymer composite specimen and the extent to which the specimen
stretches or elongates to that breaking point.
1. Tie a short length of your test material in a secure knot around the hook of the spring
scale.
2. Secure the top of the spring scale to something steady, like a table or wall.
3. Pull on the test material until it breaks.
4. Keep an eye on the spring scale reading. (Depending on your spring scale, some of
your test materials may not break before the spring scale breaks. Be careful!)
5. Record the force measured by the spring scale right before the test material breaks.
6. Repeat the same procedure for the remaining samples.

Formula:
F= kx where;
F = force needed to extend or compress (N)
k = spring stiffness (N/m)
x = distance of extension of compression (m)
Water Absorption Test
Steps for Water Absorption test by ASTM D570 which is used to determine the amount of
water absorbed under specified conditions.
1. Prepare a sample of the product with a size of 1 cm x 3 cm with 0.028 cm thickness.
2. Dry it in an oven at 50°C for 2 hours.
3. Weigh the product using a mettler balance.
4. Soak the sample in water for 24 hours.
5. After, instantly dry it by using cloth and weigh it again using mettler balance.
6. Repeat the same procedure for the remaining samples.

Formula:
Water Absorption (%) =
[(𝑊𝑒𝑡 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 (𝑔) − 𝐷𝑟𝑦 𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 (𝑔)) / 𝐷𝑟𝑦 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡(𝑔)] 𝑥 100

Statistical Treatment
After gathering the data from the experiment and testings, different statistical tests
were used to determine and interpret the results. In every sample in this study, there are
different amount of Dioscorea rotundata added to know which is more effective and can
produce good quality bioplastics. Each sample has 25%, 50%, and 75% of Dioscorea
rotundata amylum, respectively.

To know which set of samples has the highest effectiveness in terms of Tensile test, and
Water Absorption test, the researchers used the Polynomial Regression Analysis whereas;

Table 3:Polynomial Regression Test

X Y X2 X3 X4 XY X2 Y
 2
where; 𝑦 = 𝑎0 + 𝑎1𝑥 + 𝑎2𝑥

y = dependent variable
x = independent variable
a0 = intercept
b = slope;

Formula that will be used are:

2
∑ 𝑌 = 𝑛𝑎0 + 𝑎1(∑ 𝑋) + 𝑎2(∑ 𝑋 )

2 3
∑ 𝑋𝑌 = 𝑎0(∑ 𝑋) + 𝑎1(∑ 𝑋 ) + 𝑎2(∑ 𝑋 )

2 2 3 4
∑ 𝑋 𝑌 = 𝑎0(∑ 𝑋 ) + 𝑎1(∑ 𝑋 ) + 𝑎2(∑ 𝑋 )

To solve for the average effectiveness level of Dioscorea rotundata amylum,

Table 4: Mean

SAMPLE 1 SAMPLE 2 SAMPLE 3 MEAN

TENSILE
TEST

WATER
ABSORPTION
TEST

To know the significant difference between sets of samples in terms of different testing
parameters, One-Way ANOVA Analysis was used whereas;

Table 5: Pre-ANOVA Analysis

X1 2
𝑋1 X2 2
𝑋2 X3 2
𝑋3

k=
 n=
N=
∑=

MEAN = G=
SS = 2
∑𝑋 =

Table 6: One-Way ANOVA Analysis

Source SS df MS F
Between
Treatments
Within
Treatments
Total

where:

SS = sum of squares k = total number of groups

df = degrees of freedom n = number of variables in each group

MS = mean square N = total number of variables

F = The F test statistic (F = MSR/MSE) G = total of all values in each group

Formulas that will be used are:

2
2 𝐺
∑ 𝑋 = 𝑆𝑢𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑠 𝑆𝑆𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = ∑ 𝑋 − 𝑁

𝑆𝑢𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑠 2

𝑀𝑒𝑎𝑛 = 𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑠 𝑆𝑆𝑊/𝐼𝑙 = ∑ 𝑆𝑆 (𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑣𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒𝑠)
2

(∑𝑋) 𝑆𝑆𝐵𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 = 𝑠𝑠𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 − 𝑠𝑠𝑊𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛

2
𝑆𝑆 = ∑ 𝑋 − 𝑛
𝑑𝑓𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 𝑁 − 1
𝑑𝑓𝑊𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛 = 𝑁 − 𝑘
𝑑𝑓𝐵𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 = 𝑘 − 1 𝑀𝑆𝐵𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛
𝐹= 𝑀𝑆𝑊𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛
𝑆𝑆𝐵𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛
𝑀𝑆𝐵𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 = 𝑑𝑓𝐵𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛
𝑆𝑆𝑊𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛
𝑀𝑆𝑊𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛 = 𝑑𝑓𝑊𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛
 CHAPTER IV
ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

Tensile Test
After testing the bioplastic using the standardized procedure of ASTM D3039, below
are the collected data from the test. Tensile test was done to measure the force required to
break a polymer composite specimen and the extent to which the specimen stretches or
elongates to that breaking point.

Table 7: Tensile Test Results

TREATMENT x F k
SAMPLES

SAMPLE 1 0.02 m 0.049 N 2.45 N/m

SAMPLE 2 0.023 m 0.078 N 3.39 N/m

SAMPLE 3 0.027 m 0.098 N 3.63 N/m

MEAN 3.16 N/m

In test 1, which is the tensile test, each sample consist different amount of Dioscorea
rotundata amylum. The samples contain 25%, 50%, and 75% of Dioscorea rotundata
amylum, respectively. Based on the result in the table above, out of the 3 samples with
different amount of Dioscorea rotundata amylum, Sample 3 has the best result which means
that it requires more force to break and has the best quality among the three samples in terms
of Tensile test.

Water Absorption Test

In order to know how much does the bioplastic can absorb water in a given time, Water
Absorption Test was done using the standardized procedure from ASTM D570. Below are the
results from testing the 3 different samples with 25%, 50%, and 75% of Dioscorea rotundata
amylum.
 Table 8: Water Absorption Test Results

Water
THICK-T 𝑊𝑒𝑡 𝐷𝑟𝑦
SAMPLES SIZE Absorption
HINESS 𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡
(%)

SAMPLE 1 1 cm x 3 cm 0.028 cm 4g 2g 100%

SAMPLE 2 1 cm x 3 cm 0.028 cm 10g 4g 150%

SAMPLE 3 1 cm x 3 cm 0.028 cm 12g 6g 100%

MEAN: 116.67%

In Water Absorption Test, the weight of each sample varies from the amount of
Dioscorea rotundata amylum. The heaviest sample is the sample with the most Dioscorea
rotundata added, while the lightest has the least added. As seen on the table, Sample 2 has the
most water absorbed within the given time. This means that it has the lowest quality among
the three samples. In Water Absorption Test, the sample with the highest result has the lowest
quality because this just means that the bioplastic can easily absorb water and it cannot be
used as a container for liquids.

Effectiveness Level of Dioscorea rotundata Amylum

To know which set of samples has the highest effectiveness in terms of Tensile test
and Water Absorption test, the researchers used the Polynomial Regression Analysis.
Regression Analysis is used to show the relationship between variables. This statistical
treatment is presented in graph. The researchers will analyze this graph and interpret the datas
collected to come up with a conclusion.

Table 9: Regression Analysis Result

X Y1 Y2 X2 X3 X4 XY1 XY2 X2Y1 X2 Y2

5 2.45 1 25 125 625 12.25 5 61.25 25

10 3.39 1.5 100 1000 10000 33.9 15 339 150

 15 3.63 1 225 3375 50625 54.45 15 816.75 225

Σ= 30 9.47 3.5 350 4500 61250 100.6 35 1217 400

x = independent variable
y = dependent variable
a = coefficient
n = sample size

2 2 3
∑ 𝑌 = 𝑛𝑎0 + 𝑎1(∑ 𝑋) + 𝑎2(∑ 𝑋 ) ∑ 𝑋𝑌 = 𝑎0(∑ 𝑋) + 𝑎1(∑ 𝑋 ) + 𝑎2(∑ 𝑋 )

∑ 100. 6 = 𝑎0(30) + 𝑎1(350) + 𝑎2(4500)

∑ 9. 47 = 3𝑎0 + 𝑎1(30) + 𝑎2(350)

∑ 35 = 𝑎0(30) + 𝑎1(350) + 𝑎2(4500)

∑ 3. 5 = 3𝑎0 + 𝑎1(30) + 𝑎2(350)

2 2 3 4
∑ 𝑋 𝑌 = 𝑎0(∑ 𝑋 ) + 𝑎1(∑ 𝑋 ) + 𝑎2(∑ 𝑋 )

∑ 1217 = 𝑎0(350 + 𝑎1(4500) + (61250)

∑ 400 = 𝑎0(350 + 𝑎1(4500) + (61250)

Y2:
Y1:
a0 = -0.5
a0 = 0.81
a1 = 0.4
a1 = 0.398
a2 = -0.02
a2 = 0.014

2
𝑦 = 𝑎0 + 𝑎1𝑥 + 𝑎2𝑥
 2
𝑦1 = 0. 81 + 0. 398𝑥 + 0. 014𝑥
2
𝑦2 = − 0. 5 + 0. 4𝑥 − 0. 02𝑥

Figure 4: Regression Analysis Graphical Result

According to the graph, the sample with highest effectiveness in terms of Tensile test and
Water Absorption Test is the Sample 3 with 75% Disocorea rotundata Amylum. The 3rd
sample has the highest tensile test result and lowest Water Absorption test result. In Tensile
Test, the higher the result, the better the quality since this test measures how much force and
elongation is required to break the specimen. While in Water Absorption Test , the lower the
result, the better the quality since this test measures how much can a bioplastic absorb water
in a given time. A bioplastic needs to be durable to hold up heavy things, and impermeable to
be able to hold up drinks, and other liquids.

Average Effectiveness Level of Dioscorea rotundata Amylum

 Table 10: Mean Results

SAMPLE 1 SAMPLE 2 SAMPLE 3 MEAN

TENSILE
2.45 N/m 3.39 N/m 3.63 N/m 3.16 N/m
TEST

WATER
ABSORPTION 100% 150% 100% 116.67%
TEST

In Table 1, it shows the average effectiveness of Dioscorea rotundata amylum as

bioplastic by solving for the mean of the results from the two testing parameters. In Tensile
Test result, the higher the value of the outcome of the experiment, the better it is for the
bioplastic because this means that it takes a lot of effort to break the bioplastic. In Water
Absorption Test, if the percentage is lower, this means that the bioplastic absorbs lesser
amount of water. Based on the table above, the average effectiveness of Dioscorea rotundata
amylum in terms of Tensile test is 3.16 N/m, while on Water Absorption test, it is 116.67%.

Significant Difference in Terms of Testing Parameters

To find out the significant difference of three samples, One-Way ANOVA is used as
the statistical treatment.

Table 11: Pre-ANOVA Analysis Results

X1 𝑋1
2 X2 2
𝑋2 X3 2
𝑋3

5 25 10 100 15 225 k=3

2.45 6.0025 3.39 11.4921 3.63 13.1769 n=3
1 1 1.5 2.25 1 1 N=9

2 2 2 G = 42.97
∑ 𝑋1= 8.45 ∑ 𝑋1= 32 ∑ 𝑋2 = ∑ 𝑋2 ∑ 𝑋3= ∑ 𝑋3=

14.89 =113.74 19.63 239.18

 M = 2.82 M = 4.96 M = 6.54 2
∑𝑋 =
SS = 8.2 SS = 39.84 SS =
110.73 384.92

∑ 𝑋 = 𝑆𝑢𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑠

𝑆𝑢𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑠
𝑀𝑒𝑎𝑛 = 𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑠
2

(∑𝑋)
2
𝑆𝑆 = ∑ 𝑋 − 𝑛

Table 12: One-Way ANOVA Analysis Results

Source SS df MS F
Between 20.99 2 10.495 0.4
Treatments
Within 158.7715 6 26.46
Treatments
Total 179.7615 8
2
2 𝐺
𝑆𝑆𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = ∑ 𝑋 − 𝑁

2
𝑆𝑆𝑊/𝐼𝑙 = ∑ 𝑆𝑆 (𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑣𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒𝑠)

𝑆𝑆𝐵𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 = 𝑠𝑠𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 − 𝑠𝑠𝑊𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛

𝑑𝑓𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 𝑁 − 1
𝑑𝑓𝑊𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛 = 𝑁 − 𝑘
𝑑𝑓𝐵𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 = 𝑘 − 1
𝑆𝑆𝐵𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛
𝑀𝑆𝐵𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 = 𝑑𝑓𝐵𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛
𝑆𝑆𝑊𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛
𝑀𝑆𝑊𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛 = 𝑑𝑓𝑊𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛
𝑀𝑆𝐵𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛
𝐹= 𝑀𝑆𝑊𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛

Based on the results above, the computed F- statistic is 0.4 and the F-statistic based on
the table of critical values for the F-distribution is 5.14. In finding the F-statistic on the table
 of critical values for the F-distribution, use the degrees of freedom or df of Within Treatments
as the denominator and Between Treatments as the numerator. Since the computed F-statistic
is lesser than the table F-statistic, the researchers failed to reject the null hypothesis. In
conclusion, we accept null hypothesis and reject alternative hypothesis, so there is no
significant difference between the three sets of sample in terms of different testing
parameters.

Perceptions of Science Teachers to the Bioplastic

The researchers collected the perceptions of Science teachers in Liloan National High
School to know their opinions about the Quality, Accessibility, and Environmental
Effectiveness of the bioplastic. This was done through a survey questionnaire.

Table 13: Perceptions Survey Result

QUESTIONS
RESPONDENTS QUALITY ACCESSIBILITY ENVIRONMENTAL
EFFECTIVENESS
Q-A.1 Q-A.2 Q-A.3 Q-B.1 Q-B.2 Q-C.1 Q-C.2 Q-C.3
1 3 3 4 2 2 4 4 4
2 3 3 4 2 3 5 5 5
3 4 4 5 3 3 5 5 5
4 5 5 4 5 5 5 5 4
5 4 4 5 3 2 5 5 5
6 4 5 5 3 4 5 5 5
7 2 3 3 2 2 3 4 3
8 3 3 4 2 3 5 5 5
9 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5
10 4 5 4 4 3 5 5 5
MEAN 3.5 3.8 4.2 3 3.1 4.7 4.8 4.6
INTERPRETATI AGREE AGREE AGREE NEUTR NEUT STRON STRO STRO
ON AL RAL GLY NGLY NGLY
AGREE AGRE AGRE
E E

Range:
Strongly Disagree = 1-1.8
 Disagree = 1.81-2.6
Neutral = 2.61-3.4
Agree = 3.41-4.2
Strongly Agree = 4.21-5

The table above show the results from the survey about the perceptions of Science
teachers from Liloan National High School. As shown on the table, questions A.1, A.2, and
A.3 are questions that relate to the quality of the bioplastic while questions B.1 and B.2
relates to accessibility. Questions C.1, C.2 and C.3 relates to the environmental effectiveness
of the bioplastic. Based on the data collected, on questions A.1, A.2 and A.3, most teachers
agreed. Questions about accessibility which are B.1 and B.2, most teachers answered neutral.
While on questions about environmental effectiveness which are C.1, C.2, and C.3, most
answered strongly agree. Some science teachers have the same answers while some are not.
This means that although the respondents came from the same field, every science teacher
has different perceptions about bioplastic.
 CHAPTER V
CONCLUSIONS

Summary
The primary objective of this study is to know how effective is Dioscorea rotundata
amylum or known as the white yam starch to be the alternative material of cornstarch, the
usual starch used in most bioplastic. The research design used is experimental. The materials
that was used in the experimentation were Dioscorea rotundata amylum, distilled water,
glycerine/glycerol, and vinegar/acetic acid with 5% acidity. Three sets of samples with 25%,
50%, and 75% of Dioscorea rotundata amylum were used in conducting the testing
parameters. The standardized tests applied in this study was from the American Society for
Testing and Material (ASTM), which are the Tensile Test and Water Absorption test.
Statistical treatments like Polynomial Regression Analysis and One-way ANOVA was also
applied to interpret and analyze the data collected from the experiment. Polynomial
Regression Analysis is for knowing the relationship between variables and One-way ANOVA
is for knowing the significant difference between sets of samples in terms of different testing
parameters. A survey was also conducted to know the perceptions of Science teachers in
Liloan National high School about the yam based bioplastic based on its quality, accessibility,
and environmental effectiveness.

Conclusion

The research study investigated the effects of incorporating Dioscorea rotundata

amylum into bioplastic samples and evaluated their properties through various tests and
analysis. The Tensile Test results showed that bioplastic samples had a mean tensile strength
of 3.16 N/m, reflecting their overall resistance to breaking and stretching. The Water
Absorption Test showed that the average water absorption percentage for the bioplastic
samples was 116.67%, displaying different levels of water permeability. Utilizing Polynomial
Regression Analysis, the results showed that Sample 3 has the highest effectiveness among
the three samples. Analysis of Variance or One-Way ANOVA demonstrated no significant
differences among the three sets of samples which means, the researchers failed to reject the
null hypothesis. Based on the survey conducted to the Science teachers in Liloan National
High School, most of the respondents expressed agreement on the quality aspect, while
neutrality on accessibility, and strong agreement on environmental benefits. In summary, the
results highlight the potential of this bioplastic to offer improved durability and
impermeability, making it a viable alternative in various applications. More research and
development initiatives can improve the composition and quality of bioplastics to support
environmentally friendly and sustainable materials in a variety of sectors.

Recommendation
After having the results of the study, the researchers would like to recommend the
following:
1. Future researchers should consider conducting Soil Burial test to assess the
bioplastic’s biodegradability and degradation rate under anaerobic environment.
2. Future researchers should also consider conducting Moisture Content test to
understand how moisture affects the bioplastic’s physical properties.
3. Future researchers should also consider exploring academic books related to
yam-based bioplastic for future referencing and broader understanding.
4. Future researchers should also consider conducting Migration test to evaluate
the transfer of substancesor chemicals that may contaminate the food.
5. Future researchers may consider choosing alternative yam variant that is more
accessible and have the potential to yield improved results.
 REFERENCES

Abbasi, N. M., Chen, Q., Haroon, M., Khan, R. U., Saleem, M., Ullah, R. S., Wang, L., Wu,
J. & Yu, H. (2016). Chemical modification of starch and its application as an adsorbent
material. Rsc Advances, 6(82), 78264-78285. https://doi.org/10.1039/C6RA16795K
Abe, M. M., Botaro, V. R., Branciforti, M. C., Brienzo, M., Halley, P., Macedo, J. V.,
Martins, J. R., Sanvezzo, P. B. (2021). Advantages and disadvantages of bioplastics
production from starch and lignocellulosic components. Polymers, 13(15), 2484.
https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13152484
Ahmed, I., Ali, U., Amin, A., Dilshad, E. Waheed, H. (2021). General Structure and
Classification of Bioplastics and Biodegradable Plastics. Bioplastics for Sustainable
Development, 61-82. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-1823-9_2
Atiwesh, G., Banoub, J., Le, T.T., Mikhael, M., Parrish, C. C. (2021). Environmental impact
of bioplastic use: A review. Heliyon, 7(9), e07918.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07918
Asim, M, Jawaid, M. & Marichelvam, M. K. (2019). Corn and rice starch-based bio-plastics
as alternative packaging materials. Fibers, 7(4), 32. https://doi.org/10.3390/fib7040032
Behera, L., Mohanta, M. & Thirugnanam, A. (2022). Intensification of yam-starch based
biodegradable bioplastic film with bentonite for food packaging application.
Environmental Technology & Innovation, 25, 102180.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eti.2021.102180
Brandelli, A., Costa, T. H., Flôres, S. H., Lopes, C. A., Olivera. F. C., Rodrigues, E.&
Santos, K. (2018). Characterization of active biodegradable films based on cassava
starch and natural compounds. Food Packaging and Shelf Life, 16, 138-147.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fpsl.2018.03.006
Calabro, V., Chakraborty, S., Coppola, G., Curcio, S., Gaudio, M. T., & Lopresto, C. G.
(2021). Bioplastic from renewable biomass: a facile solution for a greener environment.
Earth Systems and Environment, 5(2), 231-251.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s41748-021-00208-7
Castellanza, P. (2020, March 23). How to make bioplastic from starch [Video]. Youtube.
https://youtu.be/gtxRgYjnrRk8
Cho, R. (2017, December 13). The Truth About Bioplastics. Columbia Climate School:
Climate, Earth, and Society.
https://news.climate.columbia.edu/2017/12/13/the-truth-about-bioplastics/
Gómez, G. N., Flórez, J. F., Mendoza, J.S., Cervera, C. P. & Pizarro, R. A. (2021).
Development and characterization of dual-modified yam (Dioscorea rotundata)
starch-based films. Heliyon, 7(4), e06644. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06644
Koch, D. & Mihalyi, B. (2018). Assessing the change in environmental impact categories
when replacing conventional plastic with bioplastic in chosen application fields.
Chemical Engineering Transactions, 70, 853-858. https://doi.org/10.3303/CET1870143
Kumar, S., Pandey, K.M. & Pattanayak, S.K. (2021). Bio-plastic from Yam—An Ecofriendly
Prospective. Recent Advances in Mechanical Engineering, 397-40.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-7711-6_41
Lawal, A. A. & Sarkingobir, Y. (2021). Bioplastics: Their advantages and concerns. Journal
of Materials and Mettalurgical Engineering, 11(1), 13-18.
https://doi.org/10.37591/JoMME
Luckham, P. F., & Rossi S.(1999). The colloidal and rheological properties of bentonite
suspension. Advances in Colloid and Interface Science, 82(1-3),43-92.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0001-8686(99)00005-6
Lumdubwong, N. & Vu, H. P. N. (2016). Starch behaviors and mechanical properties of
starch blend films with different plasticizers. Carbohydrate polymers, 154(3), 112-120.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2016.08.034
Mohanta, M., Shanmathy, M. & Thirugnanam, A. (2021). Development of biodegradable
bioplastic films from Taro starch reinforced with bentonite. Carbohydrate Polymer
Technologies and Applications, 2, 100173. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carpta.2021.100173
Oladejo, O. (2019, March 12). Yam Proccessing (Yam Flour). LinkedIn.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/yam-processing-flour-olushola-oladejo-b-tech-msc-phd-
in-view-
Oluwasina, O. O., Alkinyele, B. P., Olusegun, S. J., Oluwasina, O. O., & Mohallem, N. D.
(2021). Evaluation of the effects of additives on the properties of starch-based bioplastic
film. SN Applied Sciences, 3(21),421. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-021-04433-7
Omotoso, M. A., Adeyefa, O. S., Animashaum, E. A. & Osibanjo, O. O. (2015). Biogradable
starch film from cassava, corn, potato and yam. Chemistry and Materials Research ,
7(12), 15-24. https://doi.org/10.1038%2Fs41598-021-93094-y
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (2022, February 2). Plastic
pollution is growing relentlessly as waste management and recycling fall short, says
OECD. Global plastic outlook.
https://www.oecd.org/environment/plastic-pollution-is-growing-relentlessly-as-waste-m
anagement-and-recycling-fall-short.htm
Patel, M., Sagar, T., Saraswat, Y., & Shil, S. (2014). Bioplastics from starch. International
Conference on Multidisciplinary Research & Practice, 1(8), 385-387.
Teseme, W. B. (2020). Review on the manufacturing of biodegradable plastic packaging film
from root and tuber starches. American Journal of Nano Research and Applications,
8(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.nano.20200801.11
The world bank (2022, February 11). Solid Waste Management. The World
Bank.https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/urbandevelopment/brief/solid-waste-manage
ment
 APPENDICES

Appendix A: Letter of Intent to Conduct the Study

Mrs. Floriza Q. Pitogo

School Principal I
Liloan National High School
Poblacion, Liloan, Cebu

Dear Madam,

Good day!

We, the Lilo-an National High School researchers, are currently conducting an experimental
research project entitled, "DIOSCOREA ROTUNDATA AMYLUM AS BIOPLASTIC." In
pursuit of the success of this study with an objective which is to know how effective is
Dioscorea rotundata amylum as an alternative raw material for bioplastic, we ask for your
permission to conduct an experimentation which is needed in our data gathering procedure.

In this regard, we guarantee that health protocols and precautionary measures are followed at
all times. All research information will be obtained, kept private, and used strictly for
educational purposes only. We will highly appreciate the time you allot to us in letting us
conduct an experimentation. Your response to this letter is crucial in providing important
information needed in achieving a fact-based result. Regarding this modest matter, we would
be grateful if you will give us permission to carry out this study.

Respectfully yours,
ANDREA A. PEPITO
PR 2 Group 2 team leader
Recommending approval: Approved by:
MRS. GENELIZA DIMPAS MRS. MA. JESUSA G. DIMPAS
PR 2 Teacher Assistant School Principal II

Appendix B: Tables for Data Gathering Procedure

Tensile Test
Table 14: Tensile Test Raw Data

TREATMENT x F k
SAMPLES

SAMPLE 1 0.02 m 0.049 N 2.45 N/m

SAMPLE 2 0.023 m 0.078 N 3.39 N/m

SAMPLE 3 0.027 m 0.098 N 3.63 N/m

MEAN 3.16 N/m

Water Absorption Test

Table 15: Water Absorption Test Raw Data

Water
THICK-T 𝑊𝑒𝑡 𝐷𝑟𝑦
SAMPLES SIZE Absorption
HINESS 𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡
(%)

SAMPLE 1 1 cm x 3 cm 0.028 cm 4g 2g 100%

SAMPLE 2 1 cm x 3 cm 0.028 cm 10g 4g 150%

SAMPLE 3 1 cm x 3 cm 0.028 cm 12g 6g 100%

 MEAN: 116.67%

Appendix C: Survey Questionnaire

Table 16: Survey Questionnaire

Questions 5 4 3 2 1
(Strongly (Agree) (Neutral) (Disagree) (Strongly
Agree0 Disagree)
A. Quality
a.1. Durability of
bioplastic is way
more better
compared to
traditional plastics
a.2. The
appearance and
texture of
bioplastic products
are good
compared to
traditional plastics
a.3. The quality
and safety of
bioplastic products
can be trusted for
everyday use
B. Accessibili
ty
b.1. Bioplastics
can be easily
found on on local
stores
b.2. It can be
bought from any
online stores
nationwide
C. Environm
 ental
Effectiveness
c.1. Bioplastics are
more effective
than traditional
plastics in terms of
environmental
conservation
c.2. Bioplastics are
more
biodegradable
than traditional
plastics
c.3. Bioplastics are
better for our
health than
traditional plastics
 Appendix D: Documentation

Figure 5: Extraction of Yam Starch

Figure 6: Mixing of Ingredients

Figure 7: Making of Bioplastic

 Figure 8: Drying of Bioplastic
CURRICULUM VITAE

A. Personal Information
Name: June Mico D. Abela
Address: Purok Kawayan 5, Tayud, Liloan Cebu
Contact No.:09919615411
Date of Birth: June 29, 2004
Place of Birth: San Vicente Memorial Medical Center
Sex: Male
Citizenship:Filipino
Civil Status:Single
E-mail: abelajm187@gmail.com
Father’s Name: Mario Caracena Salinas Jr.
Mother’s Name: Jocelyn D. Abela

B. Educational Background
Primary: Kawit Elementary School
 School Address: Kawit, Medellin, Cebu

Secondary: (GRADE 7) Kawit National High School

School Address: Kawit, Medellin, Cebu
(GRADE 8-10) Arcelo Memorial National High School
School Address: Curva, San Vicente, Liloan, Cebu
(GRADE 11-12)Liloan National High School
School Address: Poblacion, Liloan, Cebu

A. Personal Information
Name: Roxanne I. Agcopra
Address: Block 2 -lot 34 ,Pueblo el grande subdivision ,
Tayud, Consolacion
Contact No.: 09100919747
Date of Birth: September 10, 2004
Place of Birth: D.O. PLAZA Memorial Hospital Patin-ay,
Prosperidad ,Agusan Del Sur
Sex: Female
Citizenship: Filipino
Civil Status: Single
E-mail: roxanneagcopra25@gmail.com
Father’s Name: Rodgenor Villanueva Agcopra
Mother’s Name: Lydia Santing Igsoc

B. Educational Background
Primary: WEST PROSPERIDAD CENTRAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
 School Address: P1-A,Las Navas ,Prosperidad ,Agusan Del Sur
Secondary:(G-7): West Prosperidad National High School
School Address: P1-A Las Navas,Prosperidad Agusan Del Sur
(G8-10): Prosperidad ,National High School
School Address: P-22, Poblacion, Prosperidad,Agusan del Sur
(G11-12): Liloan National High School
School Address: Poblacion, Liloan, Cebu

A. Personal Information
Name: Danica Chloe Ano-os
Address: Purok Ube 2, Landing, Catarman, Liloan, Cebu
Contact No.: 09238429120
Date of Birth: January 26, 2005
Place of Birth: Liloan, Cebu
Sex: Female
Citizenship: Filipino
Civil Status: Single
E-mail: adanicachloe@gmail.com
Father’s Name: Mario P. Ano-os
Mother’s Name: Mary Grace B. Ano-os

B. Educational Background
Primary: (G1) Santa Cruz Learning Center
School Address: Landing, Catarman, Liloan, Cebu
(G2-G3) Catarman Integrated School
 School Address: Bagacay, Catarman, Liloan, Cebu
(G4) Discovery Center of Active Prodigies
School Address: Dapdap, Catarman, Liloan Cebu
(G5-G6) Formative Academic and Skills Development School
School Address: Cot-cot, Liloan, Cebu
Secondary: (G7-G9) Formative Academic and Skills Development School
School Address: Cot-cot, Liloan, Cebu
(G10-G12) Liloan National High School
School Address: Poblacion, Liloan, Cebu

A. Personal Information
Name: Lyla Caryl A. Cabatingan
Address: Purok Acacia, Poblacion, Looc, Liloan Cebu
Contact No.: 09693887346
Date of Birth: January 03, 2005
Place of Birth: San Vicente Memorial Medical Center
Sex: Female
Citizenship: Filipino
Civil Status: Single
E-mail: caryl303V@gmail.com
Father’s Name: Dexter M. Cabatingan
Mother’s Name: Susit A. Cabatingan

B. Educational Background
Primary: Liloan Central School
School Address: Poblacion Liloan Cebu
Secondary: Liloan National High School
 School Address: Poblacion Liloan Cebu

A. Personal Information
Name: Mary Jean P. Cañete
Address: Poblacion, Suba, Liloan, Cebu
Contact No.: 09292446926
Date of Birth: September 20, 2004
Place of Birth: Pajo, Lapu-Lapu, City
Sex: Female
Citizenship: Filipino
Civil Status: Single
E-mail: mjcanete07@gmail.com
Father’s Name: Ramil D. Cañete
Mother’s Name: Maria Gena P. Cañete

B. Educational Background
Primary: Santa Cruz Learning Center
School Address: Landing, Catarman, Liloan, Cebu
Secondary: (G7-G10) Santa Cruz Learning Center
 School Address: Landing, Catarman, Liloan, Cebu
(G11-G12) Liloan National High School
School Address: Poblacion, Liloan, Cebu

A. Personal Information
Name: Andrea A. Pepito
Address: Tiwasan, Catarman, Liloan, Cebu
Contact No.: 09661861016
Date of Birth: October 2, 2004
Place of Birth: Catarman, Liloan, Cebu
Sex: Female
Citizenship: Filipino
Civil Status: Single
E-mail: abuevapepito4@gmail.com
Father’s Name: James B. Pepito
Mother’s Name: Janice A. Pepito

B. Educational Background
Primary: Catarman Integrated School
School Address: Kabuloy, Catarman, Liloan, Cebu
Secondary: Liloan National High School
 School Address: Poblacion, Liloan, Cebu

A. Personal Information
Name: Hannah Jhane Quijano
Address: Purok Alugbati 1, Tiwasan, Catarman, Liloan,
Cebu
Contact No. 00472779166
Date of Birth January 07, 2005
Place of Birth: Danao City
Sex: Female
Citizenship: Filipino
Civil Status: Single
E-mail: hannahjhanerosal@gmail.com
Father’s Name: Jose Rey P. Rosal
Mother’s Name: Roselle Q. Rosal

B. Educational Background
Primary: Catarman Integrated School
School Address: Kabuloy, Catarman, Liloan, Cebu
Secondary: Liloan National High School
School Address: Poblacion, Liloan, Cebu