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 Bio plastic made of cassava starch Transparency Elasticity Biodegradability

Sticky

More transparent

Less elastic

Degrade faster

Commercial plastic

smooth

Less transparent

More elastic

Degrade in a long period of 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.