INTRODUCTION

Background Of The Study

Gabi, or taro, is prized chiefly on account of its large corms, or underground
stems, which may be a staple food in some areas but in our own locality it is usually
preferred as Food for the pigs due to a property which is known to be harmful for
human consumption when not properly cooked. It has high starch content, is very
nutritious and has many medicinal and non-medicinal uses since the beginning of time.
Pure Starch is a white, tasteless and odorless powder that is insoluble in cold water or
alcohol. It consists of two types of molecules; the linear and helical amylase and the
branched amyl pectin. Thus, it is the most suitable biodegradable agent.
Plastic is all around us. It is useful, lightweight, durable, strong and relatively
inexpensive. In recent years there have been plastic issues causing downfalls in many
urban countries. Worldwide we produce about 100 million tons of petroleum plastic per
year. Most of this ends up in landfills, rivers, oceans, and lakes, where it pollutes the
ecosystems for hundreds of years. Over 540 billion pounds of oil-based plastic are
produced every year and to make these plastics we use about 7 million barrels of oil per
day. Plastics are not biodegradable because the polymer chains are too tight and large
to be broken down. Therefore it is significant to promote biodegradable plastics
especially in our time.
Even if the government or those so called experts say that we should eliminate
the use of plastics, the fact is we really cannot because of its versatility and let`s face it,

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.

Glycerol (or glycerine, glycerin)

a simple polyol (sugar alcohol) compound. It is a colourless, odourless, viscous
liquid that is widely used in pharmaceutical formulations. It is sweet-tasting and of low
toxicity. Glycerol has three hydroxyl groups that are responsible for its solubility in water
and its hygroscopic nature. The glycerol backbone is central to all lipids known as
triglycerides.
Starch (amylum)
a carbohydrate consisting of a large number of glucose units joined by
glycosidic bonds. This polysaccharide is produced by all green plants as an energy
store. Pure starch is a white, tasteless and odourless powder that is insoluble in cold
water or alcohol. It consists of two types of molecules; the linear and helical amylase
and the branched amyl pectin that is insoluble in cold water or alcohol.
Plastic
synthetic or semi-synthetic organic solids that are moldable. Plastics are
typically organic polymers of high molecular mass, but they often contain other
substances. Most plastics contain organic polymers. The vast majority of these
polymers are based on chains of carbon atoms alone or with oxygen, sulfur, or nitrogen
as well.
Ethanol
- also called ethyl alcohol, pure alcohol, grain alcohol, or drinking alcohol, is a
volatile, flammable, colorless, organic solvent liquid with the structural formula
4

CH3CH2OH, often abbreviated as C2H5OH or C2H6O. A psychoactive drug and one of

the oldest recreational drugs known, ethanol produces a state known as alcohol
intoxication when consumed as a beverage.
Polyvinyl Acetate
-is a thermoplastic resin glue produced by the polymerization of vinyl acetate
monomer in water producing an emulsion with solid contents of 50-55%. PVA, PVAc,
poly(ethenyl ethanoate), is a rubbery synthetic polymer. It is a type of thermoplastic. It is
a component of a widely used glue type, commonly referred to as wood glue, white
glue, carpenter's glue, school glue, Elmer's glue (in the US), or PVA glue.

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

The word plastic came from the Greek word plastikos, meaning capable of
being molded. Plastics can be as hard as metal or as soft as silk. They can take any
shape in almost any form due to the versatility of the carbon, the most common
backbone of polymer chains. Plastics can be conveniently divided into two categories:
semi-synthetic, in which the basic chain structure is derived from a natural product, such
as cellulose; and synthetic, which is built up chemically from small units or monomers.
Despite the various applications of plastics, drawbacks have been encountered in three
major points. Firstly, there are certain chemicals used in the manufacture of .plastics
that may cause allergic reactions. Three is a need man from these threat. Secondly,
since cellulose films are biodegradable; they are readily attacked by bacteria. Films and
packaging materials from synthetic polymers are normally attacked at a very low rate.
New polymers such is nylon, polyvinyl chloride and Polystyrene have replaced
cellulose, the pioneer plastic material. As a result, these plastic materials have become
permanent wastes.
There 'are various methods in making biodegradable plastics. The simplest is the
production of plastic from the extraction of casein from milk. Casein is obtained in two
ways by souring, with the use of lactic acid, arid by boiling together with an additive,
such as acetic acid.
Starch is a natural organic polymer manufactured by green plants through
photosynthesis to serve as metabolic reserve It occurs in the form of grains in many

'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.
7

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
8

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

10

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

11

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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Making the Plastic sheet

In order to determine the right combination, three batches with different
proportions were prepared.
T1 =1 tbsp. of starch, 60 ml of water, 2 tsp. of lemon, 1 tsp. of glycerol, 15 ml resin glue
T2 =1.5 tbsp. of starch, 60 ml of water, 2 tsp. of lemon, 1 tsp. of glycerol, 20 ml resin
glue
T3 =2 tbsp. of starch, 60 ml of water, 2 tsp. of lemon, 1 tsp. of glycerol, 25 ml resin glue
Measured amounts of the ingredients were added everything to the pot. The hot
plate was turn on to medium and the mixture was stirred until it turns from cloudy white
to clear, until a sticky paste was formed. Then the heat was turned up a little and was
stirred rapidly until it was completely clear. Then the mixture was quickly poured onto
the cooling sheet, and was spread to let it dry.
Preparation for the tests
The plastic sheets formed were rolled into the laminating machine to create an
even thinness for testing. Then the samples produced were cut into strips with the
dimension of 2cm and 4cm.
Testing the Plastic Sheets
Several tests were conducted to determine the mechanical properties of the
samples.

14

1. Effects of strong acids

The plastic strips were immersed in concentrated hydrochloric acid for 30
minutes. Changes in length, width and appearance were noted. The purpose of this is to
determine if the treatments can be dissolve in strong acids like Hydrochloric acid.
2. Tensile test
The plastic strips were hooked to a spring balance and were pulled until they tore
apart. The readings on the spring balance when the strips broke were recorded. The
purpose of this is to determine the treatments durability or resilience.
3 Organic solvent tests
The plastic strips were immersed in ethanol for 48 hours. Changes in
appearance were noted. The purpose of this is to determine if the treatments can be
dissolved in organic solvent like ethanol.
4. Biodegradable test
The plastic strips were stapled to a piece of cardboard and was buried in a can of
soil. The strips were unearthed after a week and their appearance were recorded. The
purpose of this is to determine if the treatments can degrade in the soil.
5. Water Resistance
The plastic strips were immersed in water for 5 days. Changes in appearance
was observed and noted. The purpose of this is to determine if the treatments can resist
water.

15

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This Section presents the finding derived from the data gathered. It also includes
the interpretation and discussion of these findings.
Table 2. Results in the Water resistance test, Biodegradable test, Tensile Stress
test, Strong Acid test and Organic Solvent Test.
Tests
Treatments

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

17

Table 4. Reaction to Strong Acids

EFFECTS OF STRONG ACIDS
Repetitions
Treatments

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.

18

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

2 then treatment 3 while control 0.1 and 0.2 remain

unchanged.
19

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.

20

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Production of Biodegradable Plastic from Squash Starch, Kathleen Hazel

Lansang Montemayor
2. Biodegradable Plastic From Cassava (Manihot Esculenta) Starch
3. Bioplastic from starch: an economically and enviromentally sustainable
reality, C. Bastioli, M. Versari, Novamont Spa, Novara, Italy
4. Cassava starch as an effective component for Ideal Biodegradable Plastic:
Daryl S. Romero
5. www.wikipedia.com
6. http://green-plastics.net/discussion
7. http://www.edu-sciece.com/2012/08/biodegradable-plastic-from-cassava
8. http://agroforestry.net/scps
9. Other web and book sources

21

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

22

Appendix 2

Figure 1. Extracted Galiang Starch

Figure 4. Measuring the Plastic

Figure 2. Measuring of Ingredients

Figure 5. Treatments 1,2 and 3

Figure 3. Making of Plastic

Figure 6. Organic Solvent Test

23

Figure 6 Water Resistance Test

Figure 8. Tensile Test

Figure 9. Preparation for Biodegradable

Figure 7. Strong Acid Test

Test

24