Cabadbaran City National Highschool

T. Curato Street, Barangay 12, Cabadbaran City

Development of Starch-based Biodegradable films from selected root crop

peelings in Cabadbaran City

Shannyn M. Herbolingo
Orreanne Janne A. Orquillas
Princess Leah S. Somera
Grade 9 – Lewis
Lady Diana G. Daleon
Research Adviser
 January 2023

CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Root crops are number of vegetables grown for their enlarged reliable storage root. In
Cabadbaran City, there are different kind of root crops which is cassava, sweet potatoes, taro,
potatoes and yam. This type of root crop is abundant because of the soils abundancy or loamy
soil which is located to places like Calamba, Bay-ang, San Antonio, Comagascas and etc. Root
crop like cassava, sweet potatoes, taro, potatoes and yam are biodegradable solid waste that can
be develop as starch. Starch is one of the most promising natural polymers because of its
inherent biodegradability, overwhelming abundance and annual renewability. Starch-based
plastics are one of the end products which have been of great interest and offer a very attractive
low-cost base for new biodegradable polymers due to their low material cost and ability to be
processed with conventional plastic processing equipment. Biodegradable plastic made from
renewable resources is decreases dependence on petroleum and reduces the amount of waste
material. Particular attention has been given in the recent years for the development of
biodegradable polymers from renewable resources, especially for packaging and disposable
applications to maintain sustainable development of economically and ecologically attractive
technology, towards greener environment. Among these biopolymers, Starch is a cheap
biopolymer that is totally biodegradable, ultimately up to carbon dioxide and water. Starch is an
attractive biodegradable biopolymer because it is cheap with low density and can be blended
with other polymers to produce composites with tailored properties. Root crops are used to
produce starch based biodegradable plastic packaging film; like plastic packaging film from
potatoes, sweet potatoes, taro, cassava, and yam. Degradable plastics are grouped into
photodegradable, oxidatively degradable, hydrolytically degradable and biodegradable plastics.
The biodegradability of plastics depends upon their properties. The mechanism of biodegradation
is affected by both the physical and chemical properties of plastics. Starch is an important
characteristic for bioplastics production as it is responsible for gelatinization and retrogradation,
which are required during film formation. Starch-based plastic are recyclable because it is also
reducing the carbon footprint of plastic packaging, but they also present some challenges
regarding their recyclability. Waste segregation is important not only to reduce the impact it has
on the environment, but also health issues that can arise from waste and toxins that have been
improperly disposed of. Waste segregation is also an economically beneficial prospect because it
makes recycling much easier. It also promotes the optimized use of our resources and helps in
conserving it for future generations.

1.2 Statement of the problem

This study aimed to determine the development of starch-based biodegradable films from
selected root crop peelings in Cabadbaran City. Specifically, the researchers sought answers to
the following questions:
1. What are the characteristics of starch-based biodegradable films?
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of employing starch in place of other
ingredients when creating biodegradable peelings?
3. How efficient and productive are the root crops in developing starch-based
biodegradable?
4. What can Cabadbaran City do to support and promote the use of starch-based
biodegradable films?

1.3 Hypothesis
The study will test the following hypotheses:

There is no significant relationship between the development of starch-based

biodegradable films from selected root crop peelings in Cabadbaran City.

1.4 Definition of Terms

Biodegradable. The process by which organic substances are decomposed by micro-organisms
(mainly aerobic bacteria) into simpler substances such as carbon dioxide, water and ammonia.

Biodegradable Films. Plastic based films that have additives included in the manufacturing
process.

Starch. A white, granular, organic chemical that is produced by all green plants.

Root Crop- A plant such as potatoes that is grown because its roots are eaten.

1.5 Scope and Limitation

This study focuses on the development of starch-based biodegradable films from selected
root crop peelings. This will involve