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it has become a necessity, an accessory and even a form of advertisement for some
businesses which helps the economy to grow.
Objectives Of The Study
Main Objective:
To develop a biodegradable plastic.
Specific Objective:
To identify which concentration would be best used to develop a biodegradable
plastic.
Significance Of The Study
There is an increasing demand for plastic, from the highly technological fields of
electronics, fiber optics, and pharmaceuticals to the basic necessities such as sandwich
wrappers and garbage bags. This high demand for plastics, however, has been a major
contributor to the world's present garbage problems.
This research aimed at developing biodegradable plastics is one big step to
lessen, if not totally eliminate, this global concern. The use of biodegradable plastics
has already started in the United States. Some plastics use cornstarch as an additive.
This additive helps in the natural decomposition of the plastic materials. Galiang is
basically composed of starch.
Because plastics are made of polymers, starch is a very favorable raw material in
plastic-making. The plastic produced will be treated with different amounts of starch
(polymer), water, lemon juice and glycerol (plasticizer). The finished product will be
expected to be comparable to commercial plastics in terms of clarity, reaction to acids
and bases, water absorption, tensile stress and tensile strain, and flammability.
Scope And Delimitation Of The Study
It only limits itself on the utilization of locally grown Galiang as the experimental
treatment and Commercial plastic as the control treatment.
This study was conducted from June to September 2013 at the Benguet State
University-Secondary Laboratory School Chemistry Laboratory
Definition Of Terms
Lemon (Citrus limon)
- is a small evergreen tree native to Asia and the tree's ellipsoidal yellow fruit.
The fruit is used for culinary and non-culinary purposes throughout the world, primarily
for its juice, though the pulp and rind (zest) are also used in cooking and baking. The
juice of the lemon is about 5% to 6% citric acid, which gives lemons a sour taste
Galiang (Cyrtosperma chamissonis)
- is the largest of the root crop plants known collectively as Taro, which are
cultivated throughout Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Although outwardly similar to
Colocasia esculenta, the most widely cultivated taro, it belongs to a different genus. The
plant may reach heights of 45 meters, with leaves and roots much larger than
Colocasia esculenta.
'parts of the plant, principally in embryonic tissues such as seeds, fruits, roots and
tubers.
Glycerol is the simplest trihydric alcohol. In commercial form, it is called glycerin.
It is a colorless odorless and viscous liquid with a sweet taste. It is completely soluble in
water and alcohol but is only slightly soluble in many common solvents, such as ether,
ethyl acetate and dioxane. It is widely used in coatings and paints, pharmaceuticals and
cosmetics.
Plastic production is relatively new technology. Experiments are being conducted
to relieve the negative effects 'of overproducing plastics. By changing its raw materials
and additives, commercial plastic may be improved so that it will become degradable
while retaining its good quality.
Production of Biodegradable Plastic from Squash Starch, Kathleen Hazel Lansang
Montemayor
This project was conducted because the researchers found out that the global
warming is one of the chief reasons on why the world is suffering from food shortage.
As the population increases, the food production decreases and global warming
contributes in to the increasing production of food. That is why the researchers came up
with the project of making biodegradable plastic.
The project can reduce our problems in global warming because it needs no
burning to decay. If the global warming will be reduced the food shortage will be
reduced. It is focus more on lessening the worlds problems by using this product, the
biodegradable plastic.
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The first step done by the researchers is the peeling of one half kilo of squash. It
was then chopped. Next, the squash was boiled by the researchers using a casserole
with 1.25 liters of water.
After about 20 minutes of boiling, the squash was soaked and place in a bowl. It
was then grinded using a spoon. The starch on it was extracted a Muslim cloth. The
juice/extract was separated from the starch and was placed on the remaining two bowls.
One fourth kilo of starch was produced.
After that, the starch was set on a fiber glass. It was flattened and the top layer
was covered with plastic cover. It was then dried under the sun. After about 7 hours of
sun drying, the starch was removed from the fiber glass. Same treatment was also done
for the screen. The experiment was done repeatedly so as to test if it will obtain same
results.
For the conclusion, the researchers believe that among the six set-ups done, the
2nd set up of the 2nd trial obtain the best results. Both sides were smooth and it has a
better bending property. The researchers came imperfections on their product. And so
as to avoid encountering imperfections, the researchers recommended the next batch
who would like to continue the project to use different molders so as to achieve the
desired shape and structure of the plastic.
Biodegradable Plastic From Cassava (Manihot Esculenta) Starch
The study aims to produce biodegradable plastic using cassava starch as its
main component. Cassava starch was mixed with water, epoxydized soya bean oil
(ESBO), glycerol, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The mixture was then compressed and
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tested. Three preparations were made from the mixture. The first preparation contained
50 grams starch, 50 grams water, 50 grams PVA, 2.5 grams ESBO, and 2.5 grams
glycerol. The second preparation contained 65 grams starch, 65 grams water, 50 grams
PVA, 2.5 grams ESBO, and 2.5 grams glycerol. The third preparation contained 80
grams starch, 80 grams water, 50 grams PVA, 2.5 grams ESBO, and 2.5 grams
glycerol. The first preparation exhibited the most desirable mechanical properties. The
material produced was proven to be biodegradable.
Bioplastic from starch: an economically and enviromentally sustainable reality, C.
Bastioli, M. Versari, Novamont Spa, Novara, Italy
Bio plastics from renewable origin are a new generation of plastics able to
significantly reduce the environmental impact in terms of energy consumption and
green-house effect in specific applications, to perform as traditional plastics when in
use, and completely biodegrade within a composting cycle.
Today bio plastics and particularly starch-based plastics are used in specific
industrial applications where biodegradability is required such as the composting bags
and sacks, fast food service ware ( cups, cutlery, plates, straws etc.), packaging
(soluble foams for industrial packaging, film wrapping, laminated paper, food
containers), agriculture (much film, nursery pots, plant labels), hygiene ( diaper back
sheet, cotton swabs). Moreover new sectors are growing outside biodegradability,
driven by improved technical performances versus traditional materials, as in the case
of bio fillers for tires.
The market of starch-based bio plastics in 2001 has been estimated at about
30000ton/year, with a strong incidence of soluble foams for packaging and films. Bio
plastics from renewable origin, either biodegradable or non-biodegradable, still
constitute a niche market which requires high efforts in the areas of material and
application development; the technical and economical breakthroughs achieved in the
last three years, however, open new possibilities for such products in the mass markets
and specifically in the food packaging. The presentation will review the recent industrial
achievements of bio plastics taking in consideration their in-use performances,
biodegradation behavior, environmental impact and legislative attention.
Cassava starch as an effective component for Ideal Biodegradable Plastic: Daryl
S. Romero
Inventions have evolved and continue to evolve such that after several years of
study, research and experimentation reach great developments. With continuing efforts
to investigate the constituents of Philippine plants, we have pursued investigation of
starch of the cassava plant (Manihot esculenta). Cassava tubers were gathered, ground
and squeezed to extract starch. Starch obtained was weighed and divided into three
equal parts; 80 grams in T1, T2 and T3.Treatments also consisted of 60 ml plastic resin
glue and resin with 50 grams of flour catalyst for T1, 100 grams for T2and 150 grams in
T3. The components in every treatment were mixed, stirred and then poured in silk
screen with oil and then sun-dried.
Test for capacity to carry weight indicated T3 as the best. For its ability to hold
water, all products passed but for biodegradability, T1 gave the best results. The tensile
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and bending properties had been tested using the Universal Testing Machine and
Analysis showed that T3 had the greatest tensile strength while T2 had the greatest
bending property. Using ANOVA single Factor, results showed that there was significant
difference among the three treatments in bending and tensile strength. However, for
biodegradability test there was no significant difference. The final phase of the study
determined the effectiveness of cassava starch as component of biodegradable plastic.
Results confirmed that cassava starch is ideal as tests proved its worth
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METHODOLOGY
Materials
The materials used in the study were categorized according to their usage. The
Independent variables were the glycerol and vinegar while the dependent variables
were the starch and water.
Devices manipulated were graduated cylinder, beakers, ruler, and measuring
spoons. Laboratory apparatuses utilized were stirring rod, mortar and pestle, funnel
were borrowed from the BSU-SLS Chemistry Laboratory. Other implements such as
plates, glasses and strainer were borrowed from the BSU-SLS Food department. And
other materials such as grater, knife, and gloves were supplied by the researchers.
Table 1. Formulas
Formula 1
Formula 2
Formula 3
Starch
1 tbsp.
1.5 tbsp.
2tbsp.
Water
60 ml
60 ml
60 ml
Lemon
2 tsp.
2 tsp.
2 tsp.
Glycerol
1 tsp.
1 tsp.
1 tsp.
15 ml
20 ml
25 ml
Polyvinyl Acetate
Resin Glue
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Procedures
Preparation of Materials
The glycerol was obtained from the Department of Chemistry of Benguet State
University while the hydrochloric acid was acquired in the BSU-SLS Chemistry
Laboratory. The lemon and Galiang were bought from the La Trinidad Public Market.
Other materials such as measuring devices and apparatuses were borrowed from the
BSU-SLS Chemistry Laboratory and BSU-SLS Food Department.
Extracting the Starch
The Galiang was peeled using a paring knife and was washed through a running
water. Then the peeled Galiang was grated using a grater and was placed into the
mortar. About 100 ml of water was added to the mortar, and the Galiang was grinded
carefully. The Galiang-water mixture was pour through the strainer into the funnel, to
avoid spillage, then finally into the beaker, leaving the Galiang behind the strainer. Then
the grinding and pouring of the mixture was repeated twice more. Then the mixture was
left overnight to let the starch settle in the beaker.
The water was decanted from the beaker, leaving behind the white starch that
has settled in the bottom. About 50 ml of water was put in with the starch and was
stirred using a stirring rod. The mixture was left for 2 hours to settle and then the water
was decanted, leaving the starch behind. The slurry starch was sun dried.
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Water
Biodegradable
Strong
Organic Solvent
Acid
(Ethyl Alcohol)
Tensile
resistance
Experimental
Became brittle
Broke down
Treatment 1
Softened
Totally
4.25 cm
into pieces
and shrunk by
dissolve
2.5 mm
Became brittle
Broke down
Treatment 2
Softened
0.44
3.5 cm
into pieces
and shrunk by
cm2
1.5 mm
Became brittle
Broke down
Treatment 3
Softened
3 cm
1 cm2
and shrunk by 1
into pieces
mm
Controls
Treatment 0.1
Unchanged
Unchanged
7.5 cm
8 cm2
Unchanged
Treatment 0.2
Unchanged
Unchanged
9 cm
8 cm2
Unchanged
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The data in Table 1 shows that the Control Treatments have the Positive results
in Water resistance and Tensile stress while the Experimental Treatments have the
Positive results in Biodegradable, Strong Acid and Organic Solvents tests.
Table 3. Tensile Stress
TENSILE STRESS
Repetitions
Treatments
Total
1
Treatment 1
4 cm
4.5 cm
4 cm
4.17 cm
Treatment 2
3 cm
3. 75 cm
3.25 cm
3.33 cm
Treatment 3
3 cm
2.75 cm
3.25 cm
3 cm
Treatment 0.1
7.25 cm
8 cm
7 cm
7.42 cm
Treatment 0.2
9 cm
9.5 cm
9.25 cm
9.25
Experimental
Controls
In the Tensile Stress Test, Treatment 0.2: Commercial Plastic cover is the best
treatment, with the measurement of 9.25 cm, followed by treatment 0.1: Commercial
Plastic bag with 7.42 cm then lastly treatment 1 with 4.17 cm
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Total
1
Treatment 1
0 cm2
0 cm2
0 cm2
0 cm2
Treatment 2
0.25 cm2
0.56 cm2
0.5 cm2
0.44 cm2
Treatment 3
0.75 cm2
1.5 cm2
0.75 cm2
1 cm2
Treatment 0.1
8 cm2
8 cm2
8 cm2
8 cm2
Treatment 0.2
8 cm2
8 cm2
8 cm2
8 cm2
Experimental
Controls
In the Strong Acid Test, Hydrochloric Acid. Treatment 1 is the best treatment,
which was dissolved completely, followed by treatment 2 with the area of 0.44 cm2,
then lastly treatment 3 with 1cm2 areas.
In the organic solvent all experimental treatments became brittle and shrunk
slightly by 2.5mm, 1 mm and 0.5 mm respectively. As for the control treatments both
were unchanged.
In the Water Resistance Test, Treatment 0.1 and Treatment 0.2 were unchanged
while Treatments 1, 2 and 3 broke down into smaller pieces. In this test, the Control
Treatments have positive results making it water resistant while the Experimental
treatments were water-soluble.
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In the Biodegradable test, the treatments were unburied from the soil. The
Control treatments were unchanged while the Experimental treatments were softened
and broke down into pieces.
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary And Conclusions
The Galiang plant has the potential to serve as an alternative in making plastics
but not as effective as the control in some cases.
1. In the Tensile Stress Test the top 3 were Treatment 0.2: Plastic cover is the best
treatment, with the measurement of 9.25 cm, followed by treatment 0.1: Plastic
bag with 7.42 cm then lastly treatment 1 with 4.17 cm
2. In the Strong Acid Test, Hydrochloric Acid. Treatment 1 is the best treatment,
which was dissolved completely, followed by treatment 2 with the area of 0.44
cm2, then lastly treatment 3 with 1cm2 areas.
3. In the Organic Solvent Test, Ethyl Alcohol. Treatments 1, 2 and three became
brittle, making it easy to be torn while treatments 0.1 and 0.2 were unchanged.
4. In the Water Resistance Test. Treatment 0.1: Plastic Bag and Treatment 0.2:
Plastic Cover were the best treatments making them water-resistant, while
treatments 1, 2 and 3 are water-soluble.
5. In the Biodegradable Test. Treatments 1, 2 and three have positive results
making them biodegradable, treatment 1 had the most successful results
followed by treatment
unchanged.
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Favorable results were obtained in the Strong Acid Test. The samples were
found to be water-soluble. However, the samples would not dissolve in ethanol, an
organic solvent as for the tensile stress the treatments. All the experimental treatments
were biodegradable.
It is therefore concluded that the Galiang plant may be used as an additive in
making biodegradable plastic.
RECOMMENDATIONS
It is recommended by the researchers to:
1. Use a binder for better tensile test results.
2. Use different plasticizers which are not water-soluble.
3. Use other additives for even better results.
4. Conduct further studies in accordance to the information gathered in this
research to the uses of Galiang starch.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
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APPENDICES
Appendix 1
Figure 1. Flow Chart in Conducting the Study
Planning the
Experiment
Preparing the
materials
Conducting the
Experiment
Setting of
Experimental
Design
Gathering Data
Analyzing Data
Drawing
Conclusions
Interpreting Data
Finalizing the
Research Write-up
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Appendix 2
Test
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