Cornstarch Plastic: The Continuation

How does the amount of cornstarch affect the Plastic s quality in terms of durability, consi stency and other factors?

I.

Abstract
We all know that plastic is one of the major cause of pollution because of it is non-biodegradable. In order to solve this crisis, researchers took a step forward and ventured to the creation of biodegradable plastic (plastic that can rot). One of the well-known biodegradable plastic is the cornstarch plastic thus, the researchers of this study conducted an experiment to find out the effect of cornstarch to the plastics quality. Based on the researchers results, a specific amount of cornstarch is needed to produce a quality product.

II.

Introduction
A. Background of Cornstarch Plastic
1. Starch itself has no thermoplasticity and is decomposed by heating at 250 260. JCS has developed the starch plastic through the new modification technology and gave it thermoplasticity. (The technology also made it waterproof). The base material of EverCorn Resin is starch, the moldings, laminated paper, film etc. of ECR are decomposed to water and carbon dioxide by the action of micro-organisms in soil or water. However, under the normal condition such as in atmosphere, no contact with soil or water containing microorganisms the products of ECR are handled such as the products of conventional plastics, because the properties of ECR do not change under normal conditions. 2. The researchers were inspired by the previous studies about cornstarch plastic. It has come to their attention that despite the fact that cornstarch plastic is already accepted as an alternative for non-biodegradable plastic, the effects of the amount of cornstarch used to create the plastic on the quality of the plastic is still a question. The researchers thought that even though cornstarch plastic is already possible, there is room for improvement. They wanted to find out if it is possible to create plastic of higher quality by adding more cornstarch.

B.

Statement of the Problem

1. General Objectives a) 2. The study aims to produce an improved cornstarch plastic

Specific Objectives

a) The study aims to find out how the amount of cornstarch used in making cornstarch plastic affects the quality of the plastic.

C.

Scope and limitation

1. Only two amounts of cornstarch (8 tbsp and 4 tbsp) were tested.

D.

Review of Related Literature

1. There was a description on how to make plastic from potato starch. The article also showed how they tested it for durability. However, the article did not show how the amount of cornstarch affects the quality of plastic.

III.

Methodology
A. Materials
1. For the Cornstarch Plastic: a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h) i) Water Graduated cylinder Cornstarch Non-stick pan 100% glycerin Weighing scale Vinegar Container Optional: food coloring

2.

For the testing of quality a) b) Bottles with water (1.65 grams) used as weights Plastic Container

B.

Procedure:
1. Make two groups of cornstarch plastic.

2. Measure out 60 ml (4 tablespoons) of cold water and pour it into the beaker or container your heating the mixture in. 3. For the first group, measure out 4 tbsp of cornstarch and add that to the water. For the second group, measure 8 tbsp of cornstarch then add to water. 4. 5. Add 5 ml or about 1 teaspoon of acid (vinegar) to the mixture. Add 5 ml or about 1 teaspoon of glycerin to the mixture.

6. If a colored plastic is desired, add in the food coloring . About 5 drops is good enough. Turn the burner on low and constantly stir the mixture. When it starts to thicken up turn the heat up to medium and stir even more. When it starts to boil, keep boiling it for 5 minutes. You want it to be very clear and sticky (not like toothpaste though, think flubber)

7.

8. You should now have a "gooey" substance that you can pour into a mold, or you can pour it onto a sheet of aluminum foil/silicone heat pad to dry. 9. Depending on humidity, it should take about 1 day to dry in a sunny place. You can dry it faster by putting it in an oven set to 150 F for 1-2 hours . After producing two sets, cut small portions from each group of cornstarch plastic.
10. So jo

11. Put the leftover cornstarch plastic in their own plastic containers with cover then shake them 20 times. 12. Make an observation then record it.

13. Place the two of them on a flat container (like a lid of a plastic container) and place the two bottles filled with water on top of them respectively. (*Note: the bottle must be upside down. The bottle cap should be the one touching the plastic.) 14. Remove the bottles and record your observations.

IV.

Results
A. Observations
Group A (w/ 4 tbsp of cornstarch) Red Smooth Group B (w/ 8 tbsp of cornstarch) Pink Rough

Color Texture

Before Testing

Appearance

After testing the samples with heavy Bottles (1.65kg)

Slightly dented than before No particular change in general

Split into half

Appearance

Slightly ripped in the edge

Slightly Ripped in the middle

After Shaking the samples in a plastic container

V.

Conclusion
Based on the researchers results, plastic made with 4 tbsp of cornstarch is of higher quality in terms of appearance/texture, and durability. Increasing the amount of cornstarch wont necessarily mean improving the quality of the product. In fact, adding more than what is required actually deteriorated the quality of the plastic.

VI.

Implications
The study can help produce an improved version of cornstarch plastic. It can also prove that too much of a good thing can never be good for anybody.

VII. Recommendations
In order to further improve this study, the researchers suggest using more than two amounts of cornstarch (not only 4 tbsp and 8 tbsp).

VIII. Bibliography
A. B. www.japan-cornstarch.com www.instructables.com

IX.

Proponents
A. B. C. D. E. F. BUBAN, Jeremiah Miko CAPISTRANO, Rica Paula Diane NAVARRO, Edelwin Joy REGALARIO, Paulyn Angelica RITA, Danyz Samantha LASALETA, Enzo Jarell