CASSAVA STARCH AS A MAJOR COMPONENT

IN MAKING BIODEGRADABLE PLASTIC

A Science Investigatory Project

Presented to
Ms. Mercy Grace de Guzman

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement

for Science & Technology II

by:
Group 3
Kimberly Duran
Tanya Villarete
Janice Nermal
Sheena Dioneo
Francis Villanueva
 ABSTRACT

The purpose of this experiment is to be able to help the society with

its environmental issues by creating biodegradable plastic out of cassava starch.

The procedures that the researchers used in this investigatory project

were all experimental and were based on Scientific Method. The researchers
used environment-friendly materials which can be made into biodegradable
plastics that will not harm the environment and will not add to pollution
problems.

The result was found that the product exhibited the desirable
mechanical properties of a biodegradable plastic thus the product is completely
biodegradable at disposal.

The researchers conclude that cassava starch is one of the most

promising raw material for the development of biodegradable plastics due to its
availability in large quantity, its relatively low cost and its biodegradability.
 INTRODUCTION

Using cassava starch in developing biodegradable plastic is one big

step to lessen, if not total eliminate, our global concerns. Generally, this study
is conducted to replace the conventional non-biodegradable plastics using
cassava starch as its main component for ideal biodegradable plastic.

Some plastics use starch as an additive. This additive helps in the

natural decomposition of the plastic materials. Cassava starch is composed of
two components such as amylose and amylopectin. Since plastics are made of
polymers, starch is a very favorable raw material in plastic-making.

As a major source of starch in tropical and subtropical regions,

cassava is a promising raw material for the development of biodegradable
plastics in these areas. Starch is a natural polymer and is biodegradable and is
used in this research because it is renewable and cheap. Also, it is pure and can
be blended with other polymers to make cheap biodegradable plastic.
 As a major source of starch in tropical and subtropical regions,
cassava is a promising raw material for the development of
biodegradable plastics in these areas. Starch is a natural polymer and
is biodegradable and is used in this research because it is renewable
and cheap. Also, it is pure and can be blended with other polymers to
make cheap biodegradable plastic.

In this research study, the researchers would like to obtain

biodegradable plastics derived from starch-based materials that
perform as well as traditional plastics when in use and which
completely biodegrade at disposal. This study contributes a lot for
concerns on environmental problems, climate change, and pollution
problems.

This study also contributes knowledge to the researchers and also

to the community in the sense of using biodegradable plastic instead of
commercial plastic that may destroy our environment.
 Upon conducting the experimentation process, the researchers had
stated some limitations within the study. Limited materials and resources
were only used. No synthetic chemicals were added. All materials were
environment-friendly.

These are being tested and compared through the different

characteristics of plastics such as texture, transparency, elasticity and
biodegradability.
 METHODOLOGY

Materials:
• Water
• Spatula
• Vinegar
• Hot plate
• Water bath
• Flat container
• Cassava starch
• Glycerol/glycerin

Procedures:
First, the researchers poured 1 tbsp. of starch, 4 tbsp. of water, 1 tsp.
of glycerin, and 1 tsp. of vinegar in the water bath. Second, the hot plate
was turned on low fire. Third, stir the mixture. The researchers kept on
stirring until a sticky paste was formed. Fourth, the hot plate was turned
off and the mixture was poured in the container. It was spread evenly and
was kept as thin as possible. Lastly, it was placed under the sun to solidify.
 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

A. DATA AND RESULT

Table 1

Texture Transparency Elasticity Biodegradability

Bio plastic
More
made of Sticky Less elastic Degrade faster
transparent
cassava starch

Degrade in a
Commercial Less
smooth More elastic long period of
plastic transparent
time
 DISCUSSION OF RESULT

Based on the data presented above, the researchers had found

out that the plastic made of cassava starch acquired the mechanical
properties of a biodegradable plastic. The product also confirmed its
biodegradability in the way of degrading faster compared to the
commercial plastic. The Bioplastic was also exceptional in terms of
transparency.
 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Conclusions:

Based on the results and analysis of data, cassava starch is a

promising alternative in producing biodegradable plastic. The plastic made
of cassava starch is not only biodegradable but also has good quality in
terms of transparency.

Among bio-based materials from natural resource, starch is one of the

most abundant raw materials for the development of biodegradable plastics
due to its availability in large quantity, its relatively low cost and its
biodegradability.

Although conventional plastics have certain characteristics that make

them “special”, biodegradable plastics are going to be demanded in bulk in
the near future and all methods of production would be used maximally.
Recommendations:

The researchers would like to recommend that factory workers had to

utilize cassava starch in making biodegradable plastic for the benefit of our
environment and to minimize pollution.

The researchers would also like to recommend the people to buy and
use biodegradable plastic made up of cassava starch because it is more
affordable and its quality is as good as those of commercial plastics.

Thus researchers also recommend to the media to commercialize

biodegradable plastic made of cassava starch so that a lot of people will
recognize and start using these plastics.

Lastly, the researchers recommend scientists to have a further

research about biodegradable plastics. It is for the improvement of
knowledge in using cassava starch as an effective component for ideal
biodegradable plastic.