CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

In today’s world, extensive use of plastics has emerged. Use of plastics

gives us the opportunity to live better lives, because of its wide utilization among

every individual’s life. Plastic is cheaper, lighter, and more versatile as a material

than any other alternatives (The Positives of Plastic | Petoskey Plastics, 2018).

However, despite the helpful aspects of this material, negative effects outweigh it

positives. Over an alarming 6.3 billion tons of plastic waste are present worldwide

to date (Mazhandu, Z. S., & Muzenda, E., 2019). To attain a life-long capability

of plastics, complex blend of stabilizers are contained to prevent quick

degradation. Plastics such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PE), polystyrene

(PS), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) undergo very slow fragmentation in

which results to being degraded into microplastics that are harmful to the

environment (Kubowicz & Booth, 2017).

Because of the growing problem of plastics worldwide, bioplastics are the

new face of green plastics as it is free from chemicals present in ordinary plastics.

Bioplastics are plastics that are purely based on biopolymers which can be derived

from renewable or recycled raw materials. Furthermore, they have a lower carbon

footprint compared with fossil-based plastics (Rosenboom, J. G., Langer, R., &

Traverso, G., 2022). Bioplastics are produced from bio-components, such as

organic starches, food scraps, and even agricultural byproducts. Additionally, they

are easy to break down which results to less negative environmental impact and

global sustainability (Navasingh et al., 2023).

 Food wastes are critical in the Philippines. As per the United Nations

Environment Programme (2021), Philippines is able to generate 9.4 million tons of

food waste from Filipino households. Food wastes are typically organic wastes that

came from fruit and vegetable peels, and discarded dishes. Parts such as peels, stem,

and any parts that are not edible are no longer utilized (Tsang et al., 2019).

Orange is one of the known members of fruit belonging to Citrus sinensis that

is widely produced in Brazil, United States, Mexico, and China (Tütem et al., 2020).

According to Michael-Igolima et al (2023), world orange production is over 60

million tons annually, while orange peel waste is about 32 million tons.

Orange peels contains a high cellulose content and a rich pectin that can be

made into bioplastic (Zhang et al., 2023). Utilization of fruit wastes, especially,

orange peels to produce bioplastic has several advantages, it is biodegradable,

sustainable, and can be an alternative for common plastics.

Cellulose is a natural polymer derived from organic plants consisting of β (1–

4)-linked d-anhydroglucopyranose units, which forms a long linear chain because of

intramolecular as well as intermolecular hydrogen bonds that gives an impressive

mechanical property (Steven et al., 2022). Although the ability of high starch content

of some fruit peels to be made into bioplastic is already gaining popularity,

exploration of high cellulose peels is not yet fully conducted.

The use of orange peel as an alternative material for cellulose based-bioplastic

production is the primary goal of the researcher. The study will be beneficial not only

to humans, but also to the environment. The researcher of the study aims to introduce

the utilization of organic waste, specifically, orange peel waste as an additive for

bioplastic production.
Statement of the Problem

The general problem of this study is: “How will the orange peel act as a

constituent of bioplastic?”

Specifically, this study will find answers to the following problems:

1.) What is the significant difference between the orange (Citrus sinensis) peel

bioplastic and commercial plastic according to mechanical property?

2.) What is the relationship of the orange (Citrus Sinensis) peel bioplastic’s

weight to the duration of it on Land and Water Environment?

a.) Soil Burial Test

b.) Water Solubility Test

Hypothesis of the Study

The researcher aims to prove or disprove the following hypotheses:

1.) Alternative Hypothesis (HA): There is a significant difference between

orange (Citrus sinensis) peel bioplastic and commercial plastic.

Null Hypothesis (HO): There is no significant difference between orange

(Citrus sinensis) peel bioplastic and commercial plastic.

2.) Alternative Hypothesis (HA): There is a negative correlation between the

time and weight of the product.

Null Hypothesis (HO): There is no correlation between the time and

weight of the product.

Significance of the Study

Given are who will benefit from the study:

Students. The study may be an appropriate educational resource, especially,

when dealing with materials science.

 Plastic Manufacturers. The use of fruit peels may encourage them to become

innovative and explore different organic materials as a material for bioplastic.

Researchers. The researchers may use this study as a reference if they happen

to be working in the same field of this study.

Consumers. The study consists of information relating to the advantage of

bioplastics over ordinary plastics, allowing them to have informed choices.

Community. The recycling of orange peel may encourage the community to be

more environmentally minded and to utilize organic wastes.

Scope and Delimitations of the Study

The making of orange peel Bioplastic requires extensive study. The general

intent of the study is to know how orange-peel acts as a constituent of bioplastic. The

duration of the study is from 3rd quarter until mid- 4th quarter. Easy to get materials are

also dominant all throughout the experiment. The study specifically seeks for an

answer regarding its performance in land and water environment, as well as the

difference of the product and commercial plastic in terms of mechanical strength.

Lab tests are not employed as a type of instrument as it requires extensive

amount of budget. The analysis of chemical use is also not included in the study.

Moreover, the statistical analysis are also not guided by a qualified statistician.

Definition of Terms

Biodegradability. The capacity for biological degradation of organic

materials by living organisms down to the base substances (Goswami & O’ Haire,

2016). As used in this study, Biodegradability refers how the bioplastic perform under

land and water environment.

 Bioplastic. Plastics manufactured from bio-based polymers (Rosenboom et al.,

2022). As used in this study, Bioplastic refers to the main output of the experiment.

Cellulose. The structural protein in plants and algae (Helmenstine, 2019). As

used in this study, Cellulose refers to the main component of orange peel that can turn

it into a bioplastic.

Degradation. The process in which the quality of something is destroyed

(Cambridge Dictionary, 2024). As used in this study, Degradation refers to the

product’s weight loss percentage.

Orange peel. Dried or fresh outer part of the pericarp of Citrus sinensis

(Bhattacharya, 2016). As used in this study, Orange peel refers to the general focus of

the study in which the output relies on.

Polyethylene. A polymer formed from ethylene (C2H4), which is a gas having

a molecular weight of 28 (Kanwal et al., 2023) As used in this study, Polyethylene

refers to a type of plastic that is compared to the product.

CHAPTER II

METHODOLOGY

The Methodology section serves as the main guide all throughout the study. In

this section, detailed framework, theories, materials, procedures, techniques,

instrument, and statistical treatment are stated.

Conceptual Framework

Figure 2.1 IPO Model

Figure 2.1 shows the Input Process Output (IPO) Model of the study. The

conceptual framework serves as the skeletal framework which acts as the basis. It

indicates that a proper order of operations must be done to have a successful result.

The input section consists of the materials that is being manipulated, while the process

section comprises the making of the product to the analyzation part. Moreover, the

output section mainly incorporates the result of the study.

Relevant Theories

Intro part

Theory 1. Proponent (year) . . .

Materials

Table 2.1 Product-making Materials

Blender

500 mL Distilled Water

120 mL Glycerin

Knife & Cutting Board

Measuring spoons

Mixing bowl
Molder

6 pcs. Oranges

5 pcs. Parchment papers

100 g Sodium Alginate

Stirrer
Stove

200 mL White Vinegar

Table 2.2 Testing Materials

Container

Loam Soil

Newton meter
 Parchment paper

Polyethylene

Weighing scale

Procedures

1.) Cut the small pieces of orange peels for about 200g of weight.

2.) Scrape the remaining pith of the peels.

3.) Turn the collected orange peel into a fine powder using a blender.

4.) Blend the 200 g of orange peel, 50 ml of Glycerin, and 500 ml of Distilled

water in a mixing bowl.

5.) Add 15 g of Sodium alginate to the mixture.

6.) Mix all of it until there are no visible lumps.

7.) Heat the mixture and add 30 ml of white vinegar.

8.) Constantly stir the mixture over a low heat until it becomes a paste.
 9.) Once the mixture has thickened, transfer it into a desired mold with a

parchment paper.

10.) Let it air dry for 7 days.

11.) Remove the bioplastic from the mold once it has completely dried.

Methods and Techniques of the Study

Quantitative Method. The study requires systematic approach where

numbers are dominant. Quantitative method is required in this study as it provides the

tools needed to appropriately analyze the data.

Experimental Design. The chosen design for this study is experimental due to

its ability to perform tasks systematically. From the production of output, to testing,

scientific approach was applied all throughout the study.

Research Instrument

Experimentation. It is the process of obtaining data through a scientific

procedure. Experimentation is needed to make the product. Additionally, the

researcher mainly obtains data simply from experimentation.

Observation. It is the act of perceiving something based on the collected

information. Observation is a necessity as the study employs a careful investigation.

Observing data trends is a mandatory for the study.

Tensile Test. The study employs tensile test to detect how a material resists

applied force until it fractures. This is used in the study to assess the difference of the

orange peel bioplastic and polyethylene in terms of mechanical strength.

 Soil Burial Test. It is used to evaluate the biodegradation rate of bioplastic

when exposed to soil. The initial weight and final weight of the bioplastic are

essential for the calculation of biodegradability.

Water Solubility Test. It is a test bioplastic is soaked in a distilled water to

know how much weight loss when exposed to water. This assesses the

biodegradability of the product on a water condition.

Data Gathering Procedure

Mechanical strength of each group. Performing the tensile test, the researcher

compared the mechanical strength of the Orange peel bioplastic and Polyethylene

using a Newton meter. The researcher cut 2x6 cm samples for each group. A hole

with a distance of 1 cm from the end part of each sample was made to hang the

newton meter onto it. Samples were then hung using a paper clip. The researcher

pulled the newton meter to see how much force the samples can withstand. The test

was triplicated, and the averages were reported.

Biodegradation on land environment. To test the biodegradability of the Orange

peel bioplastic on land environment, soil burial method was utilized. Three samples

with a weight of 5 grams were buried under a 320 ml of loam soil at a depth of 5 cm.

The samples were continuously weighed for 14 days.

Biodegradation on water environment. A sample with an initial weight of 9 grams

were soaked under 500 ml of Distilled water. The sample was weighed in a span of 24

hours with an interval of 6 hours. The test was repeated for two more times to ensure

validity.

Statistical Treatment
 Independent Samples T-Test. The researcher used this treatment to ensure

that there is a significant difference between the two groups. It is a comparison of

means, which tells how data is related from each other.

Pearson Correlation Coefficient (r). It is the most appropriate statistical

treatment when dealing with the relationship between two continuous variables. It

shows how the variables correlate with each other whether it is positive, negative, or

does not correlate at all.

CHAPTER III

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

This section presents the analysis and interpretation of the collected data from

the experiments which aims to solidify the understanding about orange peels as a

material for bioplastic.

Part I. Tensile Strength Result

Table 1 Orange peel bioplastic vs. PE: Tensile Strength Result

Plastic Type Force Area Stress Change Initial Strain Young’s

(F/A) in Length (ΔL/L) Modulus
Length (F/A)/(ΔL/L)

Orange peel 1.57 0.00131 0.05778 0.023

bioplastic N N/mm² 3.47 mm N/mm²
1200 60 mm
mm²

Polyethylene 7.83 0.00653 0.0138 0.512

N N/mm² 0.83 mm 9 N/mm²
 The table above summarizes the stress, strain, and young’s modulus of the two

independent groups. It indicates that the bioplastic is dominant in terms of strain,

which is also the elasticity. However, polyethylene is higher in terms of stress and

Young’s Modulus, which is the amount of force applied per area and the ratio of

stress and strain, respectively.

Table 2. Two-tailed Independent Sample T-test

Descriptives Orange peel Bioplastic Polyethylene

Mean 0.023 0.512

Standard 0.00334 0.181

Deviation

Variance 0.0000111 0.0329

Df 4

T-Statistics -4.67007

P-Value .009518

The Independent Sample T-test above illustrates how the two groups are

different from each other statistically. Based on the table, the magnitude of the t-value

suggests that the groups are highly contrasted. Moreover, the p-value being less than

the alpha significance level of 0.05 strongly implies that there is a significant

difference between the groups.

Part II. Biodegradability of Orange peel bioplastic

Table 3. Soil burial Test

Sample Initial Weight (g) Final Weight (g) Weight Loss (%)

Orange peel bioplastic 9 1.3 74

 After weighing the sample for two weeks while being buried under the soil at a

depth of 5 cm, it has generally weighed less than its initial weight. The sample

jumped from 9 grams to 1.3 grams in just a span of two weeks. As shown, the orange

peel bioplastic has a weight loss of 74 percent under land environment.

Table 4. Pearson Correlation Coefficient (r): Weight under Land environment

Coefficient (r) -0.960614091

N 7

T statistic -7.729785762

Degrees of Freedom 5

p-value 0.000601

Tabular r 0.7545

The table above displays the Pearson r values of the data from the Table 3. The

coefficient has a negative value close to -1 which shows very high negative

relationship between the two variables (weight and time). In addition, r value being

higher than the table r value and p value being lower than a value of 0.05 show that

there is a significant correlation.

Figure 1. Duration under soil vs. Weight of Orange peel bioplastic

 To visualize the data, Figure 1 illustrates the relationship of the two variables

graphically. The graph shows a steep negative linear relationship between the weight

and time.

Table 5. Water Solubility Test

6 12 18 24 hours
hours hours hours (Final)

Weight 8.7g 8.3g 8.1g 7.9g

Biodegradation 3.33% 4.6% 2.41% 2.47%

rate

Aside from land environment, the researcher also tested the biodegradation

of the orange peel bioplastic under water environment. The sample was soaked in 500

mL of distilled water and was weighed for a day with an interval of 6 hours. The

calculated final rate of the sample is 2.47 %, while the average weight loss percentage

every 6 hours is 3.20 %.

Table 6. Pearson Correlation Coefficient (r): Weight under Water environment

Coefficient (r) -0.98270763

N 4

T statistic -7.505553499

Degrees of Freedom 2

p-value 0.017

Tabular r 0.95
 Same with the land environment, Pearson r was also utilized to know the

relationship between time and weight under water environment. The coefficient

shows a negative value that is very close to -1 which also implies very high negative

relationship. The magnitude of r value is also higher than table r and p value is also

less than 0.05 which indicate significant correlation.

Figure 2. Duration under water vs. Weight of Orange peel bioplastic

Figure 2 shows the graphical presentation of the data from table 5. The line is

same from the Figure 1, suggesting that there is also a negative relationship between

the two variables.

CHAPTER IV

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This last chapter generalizes the findings of the study. Furthermore, the

general conclusions are also stated here along with what the future researchers can do

to enhance the study.

Summary of Findings

The purpose of this study is to assess the capability of orange peel as a

bioplastic by answering the study’s statement of the problem. The collected data

serves as the foundation for the answers to the questions below.

1. Is there a significant difference among the Orange (Citrus sinensis) peel

bioplastic and Polyethylene according to:

1.1 Mechanical Property. Based on the T-test results, the means of the two

groups are known to be significantly different. The p-value of 0.009518 is less

than 0.05 which highly suggest that the groups are statistically different.

2. What is the relationship of the orange (Citrus Sinensis) peel bioplastic’s weight

to the duration of it on Land and Water Environment?

2.1 Soil Burial Test. The test shows that under the land environment, the

duration and weight of the bioplastic is inversely proportional. The weight

becomes lower when the time increases. According to the Pearson Correlation

Coefficient, the negative r value indicates that there is a negative correlation

between the variables.

2.2 Water Solubility Test. The sample was also tested under the water

environment. The relationship between time and weight under the water

environment is also inversely proportional. This is also validated by the Pearson

Correlation Coefficient, indicating that the two variables also have negative

correlation in this treatment.

Conclusions
 The following are the conclusions solely based on the observations upon the

whole findings of the study.

1. Orange peel bioplastic’s stretchiness is greater than that of Polyethylene. The

bioplastic has 0.05778 strain, while Polyethylene has 0.01389 only.

2. The bioplastic is weaker than Polyethylene. The Polyethylene was able to handle a

stress of 0.00653 N/mm², while the bioplastic was only able to handle a stress of

0.00131 N/mm².

3. According to the Young’s modulus result, the overall mechanical property of the

bioplastic is less than that of polyethylene. This can be seen on the study made by

Fehlberg, J. et al. (2023), which states that Tensile strength of orange peel

bioplastic is lower than ordinary Linear Low Density polyethylene films.

4. The bioplastic degrades in just a short amount of time which indicates that it is a

biodegradable material. As per Bátori, V. et al. (2017), orange peel bioplastics are

biodegradable under anaerobic conditions.

5. The relationship between the weight of the bioplastic and time has a negative

correlation on the two different environments, implying that the greater the

duration, the lesser the weight will be.

6. Orange peel can be an alternative material for cellulose-based bioplastic for

applications such as food packaging. In is supported by the study if Fehlberg et al.

(2019), indicating that orange peels can be utilized to produce and alternative for

neat LLDPE.

7. In terms of environmentally friendliness, the orange peel bioplastic is better than

ordinary plastics. As stated by Atiwesh et al. (2021), negative effects of

bioplastics are less severe compared to ordinary plastics.

Recommendations

The conducted study was not perfect as it has some gaps. However, the gaps

could be resolved by the following.

1. The biodegradation analysis could be enhanced by conducting a longer

observation. The researcher also suggests that instead of using a standard

weighing scale, use an analytical balance which provides the most accurate weight

measurement. Moreover, factors like temperature and moisture must be

controlled.

2. Use of newton meter to identify the strength of a material is not enough. Tensile

Testing Machine must be used to collect the most accurate data.

3. While air drying the product, many cracks have formed. It is due to the cool

temperature that caused it to dry. Try other methods of drying, such as using an

oven. Using an oven would be more convenient because the bioplastic will be

dried faster than air drying.

4. Aside from using polyethylene, other types of commercial plastics could be used

for the comparison. Compare the commercial plastics and orange peel bioplastic

on all types of testing.