RES 002 Chapter 1

Running head: SWEET POTATOES AS COMPONENT OF BIOPLASTICS
Feasibility of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea Batatas) as Component for Single-Use Starch-based
Bioplastic Containers
12-STEM A14
By
Cornejo, Angelica Marie S.
Cortez, Cedric David T.
Delfin, Brent Jave D.
Miranda, Jazzmin D.
Panilagao, Fhaecy Mae D.
Valenzuela, Jericho Van Charles D.
Mr. Jhonnet Kim Galit
Practical Research 002

SWEET POTATOES AS COMPONENT OF BIOPLASTICS 2
Chapter I
Introduction
Background of the Study
The alarming effects of the plastic problem are not new to us. Plastics stay in the
surrounding for a very long time. Some may even take up to 500 years before they start
decomposing. In the span time of 1964 to 2015, the production of plastics increased by twenty-
fold. With this rate, the production of plastic is expected to double by 2035 and quadruple by
2050 (Barra and Leonard, 2018).
Most of the single-use plastics we use today have no recyclable content. The projecting
growth of production of polyethylene, the most common type of plastic, is leading the increasing
rate of plastics in the ocean (Story of Stuff Project, 2018). According to a recent study of Barra
and Leonard (2018), plastics contribute to the significant threats on the future of marine life. An
example of these threats is the entanglement and ingestion of plastics of turtles and fish. Not only
on marine life but also on land degradation and food systems. The contamination of agricultural
soils leads to land degradation, thus, affecting food production.
In line with this alarming problem, different proposed solutions using different types of
material are used. Biodegradable and bioplastics are being used to replace the traditional
petroleum-based plastics. As per Rouse (2019), bioplastics are mainly composed of organic
biomass sources (e.g. vegetable oils, starches, cellulose, etc.).

In addition to this, the main focus of this research is to make bioplastics out of Sweet
potato (Ipomoea batatas) starch. The goal is to eventually lessen the production of traditional
petroleum-based plastic and implement the use of eco-friendly bioplastics.

Objectives of the Study
This study generally aims to ascertain the feasibility of Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas)
as a main component of bioplastics. Specifically, this study aims:
1. to determine the difference between the sweet potato-based bioplastic and petroleum-
based plastic
2. to find out the effectiveness of sweet potato starch-based bioplastic in terms of its
tensile strength, hydrophobicity test, water absorption, and biodegradability
3. to propose a cheap, compostable, and edible bioplastic material
Statement of the Problem
The increasing amount of plastic waste throughout the country has become a major
problem for most waste management plants. The rapid growth of population has driven the
increasing demand for the production of petroleum-based plastics. Even though there were
biodegradable plastics, they contain the same materials as convenient petroleum-based plastics
but with even more chemicals. These materials give plastics the property to decompose more
quickly when exposed to air and water. In addition to this, biodegradable plastics and petroleum-
based plastics have chemicals that harm the environment.
Specifically, this study is concerned with seeking answers to the following
research questions:
1. Is there a significant difference between Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) and

petroleum-based plastics in terms of:
a. Biodegradability
b. Hydrophilicity
c. Hydrophobicity
d. Tensile Strength
2. Are there any potential effects of Potato starch-based bioplastic straws to
beverages in terms of:
a. Color
b. Smell
c. Taste
3. Is the Potato starch-based bioplastic container feasible in terms of:
a. Biodegradability
b. Hardness
c. Hydrophilicity
d. Hydrophobicity
e. Tensile strength
Significance of the Study
This study is particular and relevant since petroleum-based plastics pose a lot of threat to
the environment. Moreover, these petroleum-based plastics take about 500 years before they start
to decompose.
This study benefited the following but not limited to:
Community. It involves farmers, agriculturists, the consumers of the product, that is, for
typical local citizens in cities and provinces. This Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) starch-based
bioplastic does not contain toxic substances. Thus, it could not harm any living things. As the
study suggests sweet potatoes, producing these crops is beneficial to farmers.
Policymakers. This study allowed them to implement policies that encouraged people to
promote and adopt the use of bioplastics. This also gave people awareness of the advantages of
using bioplastic products.
Environment. Sweet potatoes as bioplastics do not contain toxic substances that could
harm living things. Producing these bioplastics also helped lessen the volume of petroleum-based
plastic waste materials.
School. The success of this study could contribute to making the school eco-friendly and
the students became aware of using unused organic wastes in organic farming.
As a Researcher. Through this study, the researchers gained knowledge and could use
the study in promoting an environment-friendly product. This satisfied the curiosity of the
researcher in finding solution upon the current problem of using unhealthy fertilizer.
Future Researchers. This study could serve as a reference for future studies and take
into any revisions.

Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study determined the feasibility of Sweet potato (Ipomoea Batatas) as an alternative
component of bioplastic in Cubao, Quezon City. This study was conducted during the first
semester of the school year 2019-2020. This study focused on the production of bioplastics using
the Sweet potato (Ipomoea Batatas) starch. Also, it discussed the differences between the Sweet
potato (Ipomoea Batatas) starch based-bioplastic and traditional petroleum-based plastics. The
effectiveness and feasibility were measured in terms of their tensile strength weighing different
weights (25g, 50g, 75g, 100g, and 125g), hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, and biodegradability.
Different prepared mixtures of Sweet potato (Ipomoea Batatas) starch, glycerin, soya oil, ethyl
alcohol, and water were prepared and separated as Batch 1, Batch 2, and Batch 3. These were
done in Technological Institute of the Philippines at Cubao, Quezon City.
This study also discussed the evaluation of the different materials (glycerin, soya oil,
ethyl alcohol, etc.) to improve the tensile and biodegradability of the product.
Chapter II
Literature Cited
Sweet Potatoes: Food Source and Component of Bioplastics
Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), with trailing tuberous roots and twisting stems, is a
perennial plant in the botanical family of Convolvulaceae that usually grows underground. Its
leaves vary in color, shape, and size that resemble funnel and heart-shaped object with purple
markings. These orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are entirely unrelated to ordinary potatoes
(Solanum tuberosum). However, both potatoes are similar in use and shape. The only difference
is that sweet potatoes can be orange-fleshed while ordinary potatoes are yellowish. In certain
parts of the southern United States, sweet potatoes are often known as yams but differ from true
yams (Dioscorea sp.). Furthermore, sweet potatoes are grown as an important source of food in
Asia and Africa (The Gale Encyclopedia of Science, 2019).
In addition to this, sweet potatoes are grown and cultivated as one of the staple food in
more than 100 countries. The roots produce elongated tubers that vary in color—white, yellow,
purple, and orange. These tuberous plants mostly grow in tropical, subtropical, and warm-
temperate areas which serve as alternative food and are a major part in animal feeding (Scott et
al., 1993, as cited in Bastianelli, Hassoun, Heuzé, Renaudeau, & Tran, 2015).
Potatoes ranked as the fourth most important and largest non-cereal food crop in the
world. They are considered as the “food-security” and a substitute to cereal crop due to the high
yield and great nutritive value. By replacing rice, wheat, and maize, it is expected that the
nutritional value and utilization of potatoes will improve. In terms of volume and area, China
holds the record as the largest producer of potatoes. The majority usage of potatoes are in the
food and cuisine, but in the industrial sector, this kind is considered as a low percentage.
Furthermore, proving potatoes as the staple food and dietary habit of potatoes in Chinese
residents are considered to be in great significance. Nowadays, potatoes are being developed and
widely promoted in Chinese Markets. Independent innovation is the only strategy to develop
potato staple food for Chinese residents in terms of food processing and industrial development
on the technical level (Fen, Hong, Hong-hai, & Xiao-feng, 2017).
Sweet potatoes are mainly used as organic food for their health benefits. These can
also be used as raw matter for the production of fuel ethanol because of high starch yields.
Though sweet potatoes are still being examined for their characteristics, the statistics are high for
them to be a potential energy source. There are various stages of conversion of sweet potato as
used for ethanol. These include the main production cost components, the critical technological
challenges involve the high input of energy, chemical or mechanical works, high productivity
process that improves the quality of the product, and the low energy consumption and efficient
functioning. In particular, the use of high solid-to-liquid ratio media and hydrolysis (the process
in which the liquid bonds with a chemical) conducted at low temperature, presents the effect of
the variables in the process and environmental aspect during the development (Ferrari & Lareo,
2019).
According to Barceloux (2009), as cited in Blumberga, Ivanovs, Priedniece, Pubule, and
Spalvins (2017), potatoes contain an important variety of nutrients that living organisms need.
There are so many different classifications and variation of potatoes in the world. The full
potential of potatoes is yet to be discovered. The ability of the potato is broadened to the extent
that its nutrients are used as the main source of the humans. Its ability is used in various food
productions due to its short time of growing and easily adapting in nature. Potato tubers contain
starch and essential macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, etc.) In terms of producing potato,
the climate plays an important factor that affects distinct nutrient of potatoes. Furthermore, the
utilization and preservation of high-quality potatoes need an appropriate environment.
The tuber, which is the most important part of the potato, contains the colligative
properties that are usually considered in the treatment of potatoes. The characteristics described
that are affected by stress are the viscosity, mechanical and elastic nature, and texture analysis.
These properties are caused by stress and strain to the potato that creates damage. Thus, leading
to a decrease in the supply of potatoes (El-Wersh, Rady, Soliman, 2017).
On the papers published by Gallegos, Gomez-Heincke, Martinez, Partal, and Stading
(2017), proteins from rice and potato were studied as a source of bioplastics and mixed them
with substances like (glycerol as a plasticizer) and wheat proteins (as reference material). It was
already validated that potato protein bioplastic is not affected by the concentration of glycerol,
thermosetting, or molding. Bioplastics which can be used for food packaging, producing films,
and applying on medicine like plastics, can be manufactured from plant proteins as well. Like
wheat, rice and potatoes are examples of plants that are suitable for gluten-free bioplastic
production. Producing bioplastics from potato protein are soon to be researched extensively.
Potato bioplastics have complex modulus value close to the one for low-density polyethylene
and have more resistance to higher temperatures than wheat and rice bioplastics. Due to the
presence of patatin, potato protein bioplastic also demonstrated the lower water absorption (9%)
compared to wheat protein plastic.
Wonders and Pitfalls of Bioplastics
According to the study of Arikan and Ozsoy (2015) on “A Review: Investigation of
Bioplastics,” bioplastics are one of the most innovative and environmental-friendly materials that
have been developed. Their study looked on the aspects of bioplastics from the perspective of
sustainability to their pros and cons.
To explain, the high manufacturing cost is one of the disadvantages of bioplastics. Unlike
conventional plastics, bioplastics are more expensive when it comes to production. In recycling
problems, it is possible to contaminate the recycling process if they are not separated to
conventional plastics. Since bioplastics are produced from renewable resources, they can reduce
the raw materials in terms of exploitation of food by-products (Lagaron, & Lopez-Rubio, 2011,
as cited in Arikan & Ozsoy, 2015).
There are misunderstanding terms when it comes to bioplastics in terms of description of
composability. Based on the study Barker and Safford (2009), all bioplastics are not compostable
like organic food, but it is possible to require an industrial composting treatment that does not
require availability in every composting site (Barker & Safford, 2009, as cited in Arikan &
Ozsoy, 2015). In addition, some bioplastics and related terms are being misused by the
manufacturing to place their products attractively by making a slogan “environmental-friendly,”
“non-toxic,” and “degradable“ that can trick and overwhelm consumers.

As said in a website titled “Production Capacity” by European Bioplastics, Institute for
Bioplastics and Biocomposites, Nova-Institute (2014), bioplastic can lead to lack of legislation
when it comes to the increasing production (about over 6.7 million tons in the year of 2018).
Summing up, there are still countries that not used on legislation about bioplastic production.
In fact, based on the studies about the cons of bioplastics, it should consider the several
parameters including the raw materials that have been generated and the energy consumed
during bioplastic conversions. Also, the life cycle assessment analysis for the production of
ultimate disposal should be considered.
Derivatives of Starch: Bioplastics
According to Heath (2007), bioplastics make use of the natural structures found in crops
or trees. Structures such as modified forms of chains of sugars in starch (cellulose) that differs
from traditional oil-based plastics. To attempt and better simulate the durability and flexibility of
conventional plastics, bio-material scientists have been constantly modifying these plants’
natural structures. Global business is currently inclining to bioplastics for an increasing number
of applications. As lots of consumers and governments demand more friendly alternatives to
petroleum-based technologies, this posits its harmful production by-product, the common
greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide (CO2). The usual type of bioplastics is made from cellulose,
starch, Polylactic acid (PLA), poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), and polyamide 11 (PA11).
Cellulose-based plastics can be produced from wood pulp. These are used to make film-
based products like wrappers and to maintain the freshness of instant meals. The most important
and widely used bioplastic, thermoplastic starch, accounts for about 50 % in the bioplastic
market. Pure starch’s ability to absorb humidity has made way for it to be widely used in the
production of drug capsules in the pharmaceutical community. For it to be more flexible and be
able to produce a range of different features, plasticizers like sorbitol and glycerin are being
added. It is typically produced from crops such as potatoes and maize (Heath, 2007).
In a recent article of Abdullahm, Fauziyyah, Karina, Pudjiraharti, and Purti (2019) titled
“Fabrication and Characterization of Sweet Potato Starch-based Bioplastics Plasticized with
Glycerol,” the leading poor biodegradability and the contamination of petrochemical-based
plastics was discussed and further led to the extent of exploitation of inexpensive, biodegradable,
and renewable resources. Potato starch, together with glycerol, was extracted with the ratio
(2.5:1, 2.7:5, 1:3:1, and 3.5:1). Different evaluations were tested (density, tensile strength,
relative hydrophobicity, and biodegradability). Concluding that inhomogeneous granules become
visible as the amount of glycerol, with the increase of starch, increases. The mixture with the
highest ratio of starch and glycerol showed the highest hydrophobic, microbial growth, tensile
strength, and biodegradability properties.
Nowadays, natural food crop starches have become widely used component for
biopolymers. Because of their natural characteristics like being able to decompose fast, cheaper
price, and can be chemically modified, it is not surprising to know that starch-based plastics has
become a trend as an alternative derivative to the conventional petroleum-based plastics. The
most common and cheapest starch-based plastics came from maize, potatoes, wheat, and
tapiocas. Through the process of polymerization, starch, like cellulose, has been considered as
the condensate polymer because of the glucose molecules it produces when it undergoes
hydrolysis. Through this process, with amylose and amylopectin, starch forms a cyclic structure
providing it a rigid structure with highly-ordered crystallized chains adding resistant with high-
glass transition and tensile strength (Polymer Properties Database, 2015).
In line with its food and industrial applications, as concluded by the Polymer Properties
Database (2015), starch has been modified to further extend its abilities and properties. To give
examples, starch has been chemically modified to accomplish the addition of suitable reagent
solutions for it to be gelatinized and to have viscoelastic similar to plastics in the process of
esterification, etherification, and oxidation.
In spite of the higher cost compared to conventional plastics, Heath (2007) has explained
that bioplastics are becoming more attainable with the increasing unstableness of oil prices. This
instability is the cause of triggering spikes in conventional plastic costs, shown in a huge upturn
two years ago. Man will eventually be forced to use a more eco-friendly basis of plastics as
supplies of oils in the future will soon deplete. Bioplastics are usually biodegradable and it also
reduces the number of toxic emissions produced by the petroleum-based alternatives. Metabolix,
in Cambridge, Massachusetts is the US's second-largest biopolymer producer. They claim that its
plastics are biodegradable in composting bins, wetlands and the oceans. On the other hand, not
bioplastics are biodegradable and there is an increasing number of traditional plastics than can
naturally decompose. The downside of the biodegradability of bioplastics: as they decompose,
they produce methane, which is a greenhouse gas. Also, the value of certain crops, such as
maize, have risen popular in the global interest in the creation of biofuels and bioplastics, as
nations in the world search for oil alternatives to preserve the environment and provide energy
security.
Also, in some engineering branches, oil-based plastics are now losing to bioplastics in
their own game. Multinational materials, Arkema, has invented a new type of Ruslan PA11. It is
being used in Europe and Brazil in fuel lines to carry biofuels as it has the capability to withstand
the corrosion of biofuels than oil-based plastics like polyamide 12. Ruslan is frequently used in
oilfield applications and automotive brake lines. In addition, innovation on PA11 production
helps increase passenger safety and lessen the impacts of accidents as they prevent spark ignition
in the fuel lines. Popular US car company, General Motors, has replaced its non-conductive fuel-
pump modules for new North American car models as it seemed like the best material for the
job. In the US, chemical multinational DuPont stated it has innovated a bioplastic derived from
corn sugar that has higher stiffness than stainless steel and also has high-temperature resistance
and increased strength.
In a journal published by Gupta, Reddy, R. L., and Reddy, V. S. (2013), several
advantages of bioplastics were elaborated and explained. First, bioplastics produce less carbon
dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. Compared to the emission of CO2 of petroleum-based plastics,
bioplastics were observed to produce lesser carbon dioxide (CO2) by 0.8 to 3.2 metric tons.
Second, bioplastics have become an alternative resource for oil-based plastics because of their
cheaper price. Third, because oil-based plastics require fossil fuels as their key material,
producing these materials contribute to the increasing carbon footprint. Based on their findings,
CO2 emissions are four times higher than that of the CO2 emissions of Polylactic acid (PLA)
resins. Lastly, the sharp rise in interest to the production of the materials for bioplastics has
ensured the benefit to the rural economy causing higher price exchange for crops such as maize.
Feedstocks of petro-plastics consume a lot of petroleum while the feedstocks of
bioplastics do not use petroleum at all. Because of this, using bioplastics increases the possibility
to lessen the consumption of fossil fuels. Compared to other plastics, bioplastics have the
potential to reduce carbon emissions. The emission of CO2 from the petropolymers LDPE, PP,
and HDPE are 3.0, 3.4, and 2.5 in kg CO2/kg polymer, respectively. On the other hand, the CO2
emissions of the biopolymers PHB, PLA, and TPS account for only 2.6, 1.8, and 1.14. Different
comparisons have been made to analyze these carbon emissions reductions effectively. If the
entire United States' polypropylene production was replaced with PHB, the reduction of the total
carbon emissions would be about 70.06 million metric tons (Momani, 2009).
Also, Momani (2009), stated that currently, the production of bioplastics is significantly
lower than the production of petroplastics, hence, the infrastructure for recycling has not been
invented yet. Additionally, the predominant thermoplasticity of the bioplastics is the reason for
their recyclability. When petroplastics are mixed with bioplastics, they could have the possibility
to contaminate the whole batch of bioplastics. This is one of the huge problems that delay the
innovation to recycled bioplastics. For instance, a small amount of 0.1% by mass of bioplastic
when recycled with polyethylene terephthalate resin (PTR) would be inept. Several effective
recycling processes are said to be unfolded as the use of bioplastics become more popular,
making it as easy to recycle as petroplastics.
Understanding the Plastic Problem
As seen in the study of Blumberga, Ivanovs, Priedniece, Pubule, and Spalvins (2017),
food wastes are becoming one of the major problems to waste management in plants. An
approximate of 1.3 million tons of food wastes are produced every year. This leads to the idea
that these resources can be converted to produce new products. The decreasing fossil resources
and rapid growth of population lead to an increase in demand for the production of food and new
materials that are biological and have a little effect on the environment. Nevertheless, bio-
economy is a method that helps the production of value-added products using local resources and
waste by manufacturing products efficiently. Moreover, the most feasible production of new
material is becoming a trend that even the use of potato as bioplastic for food production has
gone viral. The potato components, extraction, and technologies can be used to develop new
materials by the use of processing waste as a raw material.
The carbon footprint of bioplastics is broadly reliant on whether the plastic material has
contained the carbon extorted. The plastics made from biological resources are more isolated in
terms of CO2 in plants that perform photosynthesis. Even though plastics can be recycled many
times, they can be sequestered due to the petroleum content. Other polyethylene and standard
plastics store CO2 forever and are the ones prone to damage. On the other hand, oil scarcity is
more outstanding. Bioplastic is made from renewable resources that will more sufficient to
reduce the greenhouse gasses and contains toxins to oppose the possible global warming
potential (Chen Y. J., 2014; Yu, Chen L. X. L., 2008).
“Solid wastes,” or also known as man-made trashes, are non-liquid waste that are
generated by humans that contributes to the adverse effects of disasters. Different kinds of solid
waste such as domestic garbage like food waste, plastic water bottles that are considered as
emergency wastes, and natural disaster waste like mud and slurry. To add, there are other types
of specialized wastes—medical wastes (is produced from the hospitals); industrial wastes (from
industry); and toxic wastes (Solid Waste Management, n.d.).
The Municipal Council created an ordinance to solve solid waste management. This
ordinance, calling it “Perkash Fashura Na Isadanga,” prohibits throwing of garbage anywhere.

That litters can only be thrown in right facilities or establishments and must be segregated. The
ordinance also requires the residents of the barangay to learn the proper way of segregating
wastes. The reusable wastes like paper, bottle, cellophane, and plastics must be brought to
barangay material recovery facility to be segregated. The non-usable and specialized solid wastes
will be brought to the material recovery facility. The chemical and toxic wastes are to be
disposed according to prescribed methods of the barangay. The local government is responsible
for collecting different kinds of solid waste, transferring and bringing it to the recycling facilities
(Solid Waste Management, n.d.).
The plastic problem has not just affected the land area but also the marine biodiversity.
The leading issue has affected different kinds of marine life. Exposing them to the lethal and
sub-lethal chemicals of plastics. The effects of sub-lethal are reduced due to feeding,
reproductive output, limb amputation, and exposure to different diseases and toxic materials that
includes drowning of sea creatures, gastro-intestinal blockage, and rupture to the stomach. The
very vulnerable to these kinds of effects are marine turtles. Marine turtles often digested plastics
because of it mistaken plastics as their prey that results in the death of numerous marine turtles.
Last April 17, 2015, a recursive report was made about to an adult female green turtle found
dead in barangay Lapu-lapu in Agdao, Davao City, Philippines. In an autopsy report, the cause
of death of the adult female green turtle is due to the blockage of the pyloric end of the stomach
because of the several plastics the green turtle digested. It is said that it may mistake the plastic
as its prey the reason why it has several plastics found to its stomach.
To support this, Gupta et al. (2013) asserted that petrochemical-based plastics have
become an integral part of our daily lives. Due to its sleek properties, it has become a dilemma.
Million tons of used plastics that take many years to break down is a big issue that is solved for
even a decade ago. This problem affects not only the environment but also the economic aspects
of the country. This provoked many scientists in finding replacements to petrochemical-based
plastics. Thus, this has made the sudden rise of bioplastics. An approximate number of fewer
than 200,000 tons a year of bioplastics are being produced which is seemingly comparable to the
30 million tons of oil-based plastics. As they conclude, bioplastics, compared to oil-based
plastics, are more environment-friendly and produce fewer greenhouse gases.
Solid waste management has turned out to be an expensive process worldwide. Most
of the funds are distributed significantly for service managements namely solid waste collection,
disposal, and recycling. The major barrier of developing countries for the improvement of
systems is the lack of funds. One of these countries is the Philippines. Aside from inadequacy,
the country has experienced a financial gap for providing the whole
system. The sources of funds for the LGU’s include the following: (a) General budgetary
appropriations; (b) External sources; (c) Cost recovery mechanisms such as the collection of
waste fees and fines from waste violations; And (d) National Solid Waste Management Fund
(ADB, 2003). Even though there is a lack of financing options and other barriers in
implementing the system, solid waste management is still prevailing worldwide. The instant
option is the imposing economic instrument. Since solid waste disposal is considered as public
demand, developing countries reason out the lack of financial and human resources, lack of
enforcement to the new rule, least development markets and legal systems, corruption, and lack
of enough equipment and data. These countries are still not ready for this kind of process. And
the unsuccessfulness of these instrument to the developing countries may be due to the use of the
instruments without the knowledge of local circumstances.

Synthesis
From the latest study of Gale Encyclopedia, it helps our research in defining sweet potato
in terms of its popularity and variety.
The study of Bastianelli et al. can be used to support the appropriateness of using sweet
potatoes, a plant which grows in tropical areas such as the Philippines, in our research.
This journal by Fe et al. aids the research by stating that potatoes can be utilized in the
industry.
This online journal made by Ferrari and Larreo describes the process of converting sweet
potato into ethanol
This study by Blumberga et al. may help our study to support the efficiency of using
potato as a component of bioplastics as it can be produced in such a short time.
This study by El-Wersh et al. (2017) discusses the possible impact of some factors like
stress, strain, and time to the damage of potato tubers.
Gomez-Heincke et al. (20117) discussed the relationship of potatoes to glycerol
concentration. Potato protein bioplastics are not affected by glycerol concentration and
thermosetting as it has its own complex modulus structure.
Arikan and Ozsoy (2015) stated the recycling problems of bioplastic and the advantages
of using it.
This statement from Arikan and Ozsoy (2015) stated that bioplastics are produced from
renewable sources.
Arikan,and Ozsoy (2015) stated that they have some problem in terms of describing the
bioplastics as compostable alternatives. Based on the study, bioplastics are not compostable like
organic food but it is possible to require an industrial composting treatment.
As discussed in a website titled “Production Capacity” by European Bioplastics, Institute
for Bioplastics and Biocomposites, Nova-Institute (2014), one of the disadvantages of having
bioplastics is the lack of legislation in countries.
This article by European Bioplastics, Institutes for Bioplastics and Biocomposites may
give information to the researchers about the advantages of increasing the production of
bioplastics.
The study of Heath (2007) also gives more disadvantages about the bioplastic and what
should be considered in manufacturing it.
This study by Heath (2007) signifies the continuous modification of bioplastics. Even
though it is made out of natural resources, it is still being modified to increase its application.
Abdullah et al. (2019) showed that higher starch to glycerol ratio leads to a better overall
quality of sweet potato-based bioplastics.
Polymer Properties Database (2015) discussed that starch is one of the most abundant
polymers and it increases the attention to biodegradable alternatives away from conventional
petroleum based-plastics.
This article from Polymer Properties Database (2015) is sometimes chemical modified,
but it has an effect on blocking associations to amylose and amylopectin molecules.

Heath (2007) describes one of the common types of bioplastic, cellulose-based bioplastic,
its characteristics, and how it is manufactured. Also, he elaborated the benefactors and benefits
of bioplastics which includes the environment and economy.
The statement by Heath (2007) enumerates the big companies which uses bioplastics
instead of petroleum-based plastics.
Gupta et al. (2013) elaborated the benefits of bioplastics to man and to the environment.
The authors gave examples like reduced carbon dioxide emissions, cheaper alternative to
plastics, benefits the rural community, and bioplastics reduce the carbon footprint produced.
Momani (2009) stated that if all manufacturers use bioplastic rather than the traditional
petroleum-based plastics, the use of fossil fuels can be reduced. Moreover, the author stated that
bioplastics could be a polluting substance if they will not separate it with the conventional
plastics.
Monami (2009) said that the production of bioplastics is much lower than the
petroplastics that may produce major problems. He also proposed, if the bioplastics are produced
much higher than petroplastics the recycling processes are expected to be high also
The study by Blumberga et al. (2017) talks about the demand for bioproducts to satisfy
both the economy and environment and states that potato can be one of the reliable sources for
bioproducts.
Solid waste management (n.d.) discussed that starch-based plastics are used to bind
binders, wallpaper, envelopes, and many more. Also, they explained that bioplastics are used in
packaging in cups, bowls, bottles, etc.

Solid waste management (n.d.) talks about solid waste management enacted by municipal
authority, such as the disposal of hazardous wastes or chemicals, collecting of reusable,
recyclable and non-biodegrable waste materials to be transported by municipal centers and
facilities
Abreo et al. (2016) discussed that plastics are the main vulnerable problem that threaten
the marine biodiversity. They stated that these plastics are one of the major dangers for the
marine life as they are exposed to lethal and sub-lethal toxicity content of plastics.
Gupta et al. (2013) discussed that bioplastics are most effective to use. That they lessen
the environmental issues compared to the traditional plastics.
Pagunsan & Shimada (2012) discussed the solid waste management. On which they can
cause waste problems .In addition, it is studied that the ineffectiveness of economic instruments
on developing countries do not consider the local circumstances.

Operational Definition of Terms
For the purpose of clarification, the important terms used in the study have been defined.
The following terms are:
Amylose. (n.) Refers to a polysaccharide that is responsible for the breakdown of starch into
sources of energy such maltotriose and maltose
Amylopectin. (n.) Refers to a component of starch and a branched polysaccharide chain polymer
Glycerol. (n.) Refers to a colorless and viscous liquid derived from fats that is used in plastic-
making industries
Bioplastics. (n.) Refers to biodegradable plastics that are derived from renewable materials
Biodegradable. (adj.) Refers to the property of a material to decompose or break in natural
materials
Hydrophilicity (n.) Refers to the property of a material to be attracted to water
Hydrophobicity (n.) Refers to the property of a material to repel water
Petroleum-based plastics. (n.) Refers to plastics derived from petroleum or natural gas
Polylactic Acid (n.) Refers to fermented polyester plant starch that is derived from renewable
biomass
Single-use plastics. (n.) Refers to plastics that are disposed of once used
Starch-based plastics. (n.) Refers to plastics that have starch as their main component instead of
petroleum or natural gas
Starch Biosynthesis. (n.) Refers to the formation of granules and crystalline structure of starch
in the presence of amylose and amylopectin

Theoretical Framework
This study was based on the concept regarding the correlation of processes in plastic-
making. These processes are fundamental for the researchers as they create a guide to bioplastic-
making. Moreover, these processes explain and provide an overview and in-depth methods in
supporting the research.
Polymerization: From simple to complex chains of plastics
Polymerization is characterized by the synthesis of monomer compound, the simple unit
of plastics, to form larger units called polymers. In addition, the monomers in polymerization
react without forming a by-product. These are still carried with the action of catalysts that exert
pressure to provide sustainable support to the forming plastic. Together with linear polymers,
these are considered simple chain units with varying viscosity to liquids, crystallization, and
thermosetting. Unlike cross-linked polymers, the molecular capacity and structure of simple and
natural forming plastics are considered to be different. It is due to the fact that both cross-link
polymers and linear polymer can reform their shape and do not melt when and after being heated
(Encyclopedia Britannica, 2019).
Monomer Droplet
Free radical initiators

Addition of
Water Ingredients
Surfactant
Emulsion
Polymerization
Starch Biosynthesis
Starch biosynthesis is defined as the granulation and crystallization of starch with the
presence of composite glucans, amylose, and amylopectin. The schematic representation of
starch biosynthesis is the process of the subcellular pathway of its synthesis into the flux
compartmentation control. Enzymes are located in the cytosol which are responsible in the
mitochondrial respiration. Understanding the basics in the biosynthesis of starch could provide a
framework on higher-order biosynthetic systems such as cellulose biosynthesis (Geingenberger,
2011; Martin & Smith, 1995).
Polylactic Acid (PLA) Synthesis
In a journal published by Gupta, Reddy, R. L., and Reddy, V. S. (2013), one of the main
compounds used in several biochemical processes is lactic acid. For example, lactate is
continuously utilized in processes like normal metabolism and physical exercise. Lactic acid is
widely used in most of the industries and is also known as a pH balance controller not only in the
food industy but also in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and animal feed. In addition, lactic acid is
studied as a monomer precursor of PLA. The process involved to produce it is either by
carbohydrate fermentation or by common chemical synthesis.
The production of PLA requires a lot of processes which commences from the yielding of
lactic acid and ends with its polymerization. The lactic acid can be produced from crops like
corn, potato, whey, and sugar cane through fermentation. Formation of the lactide is usually the
hardest step.
Corn Starch Unrefined Dextrose Fermentation Lactic Acid
Monomer
Production
Lactide
Polymer Polymer
Modification Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) Production
Glycerol as Plasticizer
Producing starch-based biodegradable films requires glycerol. Glycerol inhibits
plasticizing properties and thermal stability when heated. When mixed with starch, glycerol will
melt and produces a poly-structure called “thermoplastic starch.” This plasticizer creates a
colligative and flexible chain of polymer (from starch films). Thermoplastics produces a stable
intermolecular structure that is flexible enough to be used as an alternative to traditional
petroleum-based plastics. The ratio of glycerol and starch depends on the type of starch to be
used (Bilck, Grossman, Mali, Muller, Olivato, & Yamashita, 2015).

Conceptual Framework
To further visualize the methods and the relationship between the theories and processes
presented, this part presents an overall framework of the research
Potato Potato
Weighing Receiving
Washing
Soil and stones
Peeling
Dicing Mashing and Extraction of Starch

Blending Fibers Biosynthesis
Filtration Unfiltered
Fibers
Pure Fibers and Preparation of Glycerol and

Starch the Mixture Water
Polymerization Cooling and Transferring to Heating

Molding containers
Chapter III
Methodology
Hypothesis
H0 There is no significant difference among the Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) starch-
based bioplastic and petroleum-based plastic in terms of tensile strength, water, and
biodegradability tests.
1. What is the effect of Batch 1 ingredients in making Sweet Potato (Ipomoea
batatas) bioplastic in terms of:
a. Tensile Test
i. 25g
ii. 50g
iii. 75g
iv. 100g
v. 125g
vi. 125g
b. Hardness
c. Hydrophobicity
d. Hydrophilicity
e. Biodegradability Test
2. What is the effect of Batch 2 ingredients in making Sweet Potato
(Ipomoea batatas) bioplastic in terms of:
a. Tensile Test
i. 25g
ii. 50g
iii. 75gn
iv. 100g
v. 125g
vi. 125g
b. Hardness
c. Hydrophobicity
d. Hydrophilicity
3. Is there a significant difference between the bioplastic of Batch 1 and

Batch 2 in terms of:
a. Tensile Test
i. 25g
ii. 50g
iii. 75g
iv. 100g
v. 125g
b. Hardness
c. Hydrophobicity
d. Hydrophilicity

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Running head: SWEET POTATOES AS COMPONENT OF BIOPLASTICS

Feasibility of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea Batatas) as Component for Single-Use Starch-based

Cornejo, Angelica Marie S.

Cortez, Cedric David T.

Delfin, Brent Jave D.

Panilagao, Fhaecy Mae D.

Valenzuela, Jericho Van Charles D.

Mr. Jhonnet Kim Galit

Practical Research 002

Background of the Study

2050 (Barra and Leonard, 2018).

soils leads to land degradation, thus, affecting food production.

biomass sources (e.g. vegetable oils, starches, cellulose, etc.).

petroleum-based plastic and implement the use of eco-friendly bioplastics.

Objectives of the Study

as a main component of bioplastics. Specifically, this study aims:

tensile strength, hydrophobicity test, water absorption, and biodegradability

3. to propose a cheap, compostable, and edible bioplastic material

Statement of the Problem

based plastics have chemicals that harm the environment.

Specifically, this study is concerned with seeking answers to the following

1. Is there a significant difference between Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) and

petroleum-based plastics in terms of:

2. Are there any potential effects of Potato starch-based bioplastic straws to

beverages in terms of:

3. Is the Potato starch-based bioplastic container feasible in terms of:

Significance of the Study

This study benefited the following but not limited to:

study suggests sweet potatoes, producing these crops is beneficial to farmers.

using bioplastic products.

plastic waste materials.

into any revisions.

Scope and Limitations of the Study

done in Technological Institute of the Philippines at Cubao, Quezon City.

Sweet Potatoes: Food Source and Component of Bioplastics

Asia and Africa (The Gale Encyclopedia of Science, 2019).

on the technical level (Fen, Hong, Hong-hai, & Xiao-feng, 2017).

According to Barceloux (2009), as cited in Blumberga, Ivanovs, Priedniece, Pubule, and

utilization and preservation of high-quality potatoes need an appropriate environment.

to a decrease in the supply of potatoes (El-Wersh, Rady, Soliman, 2017).

On the papers published by Gallegos, Gomez-Heincke, Martinez, Partal, and Stading

compared to wheat protein plastic.

Wonders and Pitfalls of Bioplastics

According to the study of Arikan and Ozsoy (2015) on “A Review: Investigation of

sustainability to their pros and cons.

as cited in Arikan & Ozsoy, 2015).

There are misunderstanding terms when it comes to bioplastics in terms of description of

manufacturing to place their products attractively by making a slogan “environmental-friendly,”

“non-toxic,” and “degradable“ that can trick and overwhelm consumers.

As said in a website titled “Production Capacity” by European Bioplastics, Institute for

ultimate disposal should be considered.

Derivatives of Starch: Bioplastics

of applications. As lots of consumers and governments demand more friendly alternatives to

starch, Polylactic acid (PLA), poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), and polyamide 11 (PA11).

“Fabrication and Characterization of Sweet Potato Starch-based Bioplastics Plasticized with

Glycerol,” the leading poor biodegradability and the contamination of petrochemical-based

relative hydrophobicity, and biodegradability). Concluding that inhomogeneous granules become

strength, and biodegradability properties.

become a trend as an alternative derivative to the conventional petroleum-based plastics. The

glass transition and tensile strength (Polymer Properties Database, 2015).

esterification, etherification, and oxidation.

naturally decompose. The downside of the biodegradability of bioplastics: as they decompose,

and increased strength.