THE PRODUCTION OF BIODEGRADABLE PLASTIC USING VARYING KINDS OF PLANT STARCH

Researchers:

Camille C. Manansala
Arizza Mae C. Delos Reyes

ABSTRACT
The study entitled THE PRODUCTION OF BIODEGRADABLE PLASTIC USING VARYING KINDS OF PLANT STARCH was conducted by Camille C. Manansala and Arizza Mae C. Delos Reyes to produce and compare biodegradable plastic using varying kinds of plant starch. The researcher used the Experimental method. They measured out 60 mL (4 tablespoons) of cold water and poured it into the beaker or container where it was heated. They added 10 grams (about 1 tablespoon) of starch then added water. Then they put 5 mL (1 teaspoon) of acid (white vinegar) to the mixture. Then added 5 mL (1 teaspoon) of vegetable liquid glycerin (vegetable oil) to the mixture, more glycerin will make it softer and more flexible. They turned the burner low and constantly stirred the mixture. When it started to thicken up, they turned the heat up to medium and stirred even more. When it started to boil, they kept it boiling for 5 minutes. They got a very clear and sticky substance. After getting the gooey substance, they poured it into a mold with aluminum foil to keep it from sticking into the mold. They let it dry under the sun.

Eleven respondents tested each treatments in terms of smell and appearance and graded from 1-4. They tested the biodegradability of each treatment. The researchers provided a plot with soil. They buried the plastic in it then recorded the changes every week. They tested the durability of each treatment by putting 25 grams of rice on the biodegradable plastic and lifted it. Another 25 grams was placed on each treatment and lifted again. This procedure was repeated until the researchers determined the best plastic in terms of durability. The researchers used the Analysis of Variance and the T-Test to determine the significant difference among the different kinds of starch as biodegradable plastic. There is a significant difference among the varying kinds of plant starch in terms of: Potato starch is the best in terms of biodegradability with the mean of 0.002; Cassava starch is best in terms of Durability with a capacity of 2.25 kg and; Potato starch is best in terms of appearance having the computed T value of -1.083 and -0.142. There is no significant difference among the smell of the varying kinds of plant starch with the computed F value of 0.504.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Generally, the study aims to produce and compare biodegradable plastic using varying kinds of plant starch. Specifically, it also aims to answer the following questions: What kind of starch is best in terms of: Biodegradability, Durability, Smell and Appearance?

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

The study aims to produce biodegradable plastic using varying kinds of plant starch specifically, Potato starch, Cassava Starch, and Corn Starch. The study was conducted in the Delos Reyes residence specifically at their kitchen and will cover three months or twelve weeks. The study not related was not be discussed such as other biodegradable plastic, commercial biodegradable plastic, other starches and figure of the plastic.

The study mainly focuses in the comparison of the varying kinds of plant starch as an alternative ingredient in the production of biodegradable plastic.

HYPOTHESIS
There is no significant difference among the varying kinds of plant starch in terms of:
2.1 Biodegradability 2.2 Durability 2.3 Smell and Appearance

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study entitled The Production of Biodegradable Polymer using Varying kinds of Plant Starch was conducted to eventually help the community and the environment.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
Corn Starch Potato Starch Cassava Starch
Mix 6 spoon starch table of Biodegradable Plastic

3 tablespoon of vinegar and 3 tablespoon of oil, apply heat and put in a molder

At the left box of the framework were the independent variables that were used in the study. Each starch undergo the procedure found in the middle box wherein the researchers Mixed 6 table spoon of starch, 3 tablespoon of vinegar and 3 tablespoon of oil, applied heat and put in a molder to form the biodegradable plastic found at the last box.

PROCEDURE

Grate the root crop.

Extract the starch

Heat the casserole with water

Add the oil

Add the vinegar

Add the starch

BIODEGRADABILITY
TEST

Potato starch before the biodegradability test Cassava starch after the test

Cassava starch before the biodegradability test

Corn starch before the biodegrada bility test

Corn starch after the test Bury the 3 plastics in a plot with soil for a week. * The potato starch was dissolved into the soil.

DURABILITY TEST

The potato starch broke in 25 g weight.

The corn starch broke in 1 kg weight.

The cassava starch broke in 2.25 kg weight.

CONCLUSIONS
Based on the results, the following conclusions were derived: 1. There is a significant difference among the varying kinds of plant starch in terms of: a. Potato starch is the best in terms of biodegradability. b. Cassava starch is best in terms of Durability. c. Potato starch is best in terms of appearance. 2. There is no significant difference among the smell of the varying kinds of plant starch

RECOMMENDATIONS
From the conclusions, the following recommendations were given:
The researchers recommend that use a machine in making the biodegradable plastic.

The researchers recommend add more starch in the variables like rice starch and the like.