The Effectiveness of Cassava (Manihot Esculenta) Starch in Creating Biodegradable Plastic

Philippine Christian University 1
Junior High School Department
CHAPTER 1
THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND
1.1 INTRODUCTION
The cassava is cultivated mainly in the tropic region like in the
Philippines. Cassava is the primary raw material for the manufacturer starch
and one of the important agricultural crops in the Philippines. The plant
produces all year round and can be harvested over an extended period of time.
As a subsistence crop, cassava is the third most important carbohydrate food
source in the tropics after rice and maize.
Cassava is a promising raw material for the development of
biodegradable plastics in these areas. Biodegradable plastics is one big step
to lessen, if not total eliminate, our global concerns.
Generally, this study is to replace the conventional non-biodegradable
plastics. Nowadays pollution are aggravating because of plastics and their
byproducts are littering our cities, oceans, and waterways, and contributing to
health problems in humans and animals. Plastics is one of the major toxic
pollutants of present time. Commercial Plastics is not only useful due to its
sturdiness that keeps things or materials in it, but it can be re-used over and
over again. Unfortunately, it is non-biodegradable. Accumulations of
commercial plastics as one of the non-biodegradable wastes is a perennial
problem. Being composed of toxic chemicals and most importantly a non-
biodegradable substance, plastic pollutes earth and leads to water pollution.

The good side is that there are already countries like Indonesia who
have started with the help of technology in producing biodegradable plastic
made from cassava. (RNZ News, 2017) Unlike plastic made from Cassava
Starch it can help to maintain and improve our environment because it is
biodegradable. The researchers want to provide an alternative to commercial
plastic which is biodegradable plastic derived from Cassava root crop.
The purpose of this study is to promote the use of Cassava starch which
is a very favourable raw material in plastic-making and to lessen the pollution
we are facing and help preserve our nature for the next generations. The
objective of this study is to create a biodegradable plastic that can be degraded
through environmental circumstances. The researchers expect that after
conducting experiment they will creating biodegradable plastic.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Main Objective: To produce an effective biodegradable plastic as alternative
to a commercial plastic by utilizing cassava starch as its main raw material.
Problems:
1. How long does it take for a biodegradable plastic strip to dissolve in
water?
2. How much weight does the biodegradable plastic strip can hold?
1.3 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
Independent Variable Dependent Variable

Biodegradable plastic
made from Cassava
Cassava Starch Starch
1. Durability
2. Biodegradability
Figure 1. Research Paradigm
Figure 1 shows the concepts presented in this study and the variables that will
determine the effectiveness of cassava starch as biodegradable plastic.
1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The findings of this study will benefit the following:
Researchers
The study will also serve as a launching pad to encourage other
researchers to further conduct studies in exploring natural raw materials
such as cassava starch, which can create biodegradable plastics.
Students
The study will help the students gain more information and
knowledge about alternative raw materials that can be used as
biodegradable plastics. The study will help the students open their eyes
and look at the current condition of our Mother Earth - the problem on
pollution. The students can apply their learning, so that they can lessen
the pollution we are facing.
Family
The study will be a big help to the family because instead of
throwing the plastics everywhere they will have an idea in taking care of
mother nature by recycling the alternative plastic bag and reuse it again.
Society
This study will help the society become aware of safe and
alternative biodegradable plastics to commercial polymer plastics.
Economy
This study will help the economy to deal with the increasing
problems of littering and garbage particularly in the rivers and seas.
Alternative plant-based bioplastics can assist the growth of a more
sustainable economy.
Environment
This study will contribute a safe biodegradable plastic that can be
used as an alternative to commercial plastic that are being reused,
recycled, reduced.
1.5 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS
This study focused on the effectiveness of Cassava starch as an
alternative to commercial plastic. The researchers created a biodegradable
plastic. The duration of this study last for 3 months. The output of this study
was to produce an environment-friendly biodegradable plastic. The use of
this biodegradable plastic is only good for dry goods. The usage of his
bioplastic is disposable. It is not advisable to use the bioplastic for wet
goods or that can moisten the plastic. No comparative test was conducted
between commercial plastic and biodegradable plastic.
1.6 DEFINITION OF TERMS
1. Biodegradability
Conceptual: According to Cambridge University (of a substance)
able to decay naturally and without harming the environment.
Operational: One of the characteristics or attribute of the produced
biodegradable plastic that will determine the average time in
dissolving the biodegradable plastic.
2. Cassava Starch
Conceptual: According to Merriam Webster Dictionary, any of
several American plants of the spurge family grown in the tropics for
their edible tuberous roots which yield a nutritious starch.
Operational: Raw material and the main ingredient used in producing
biodegradable plastic.
3. Durability
Conceptual: According to Groliers Dictionary, able to withstand wear
and tear or decay; lasting.
Operational: One of the characteristics or attribute of the produced
biodegradable plastic that will determine the maximum weight and
length of time it will last before being torn.
4. Biodegradable Plastic
Conceptual: Based on Wikipedia, biodegradable plastics are plastics
that can be decomposed by the action of living organisms, usually
bacteria.
Operational: In this study, biodegradable plastic refers to the plastic
produced from the mixture of cassava starch, water, glycerin and
vinegar.
CHAPTER 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES
2.1 Related Literature
According to Pumeirandi (2015), Cassava (Manihot Esculenta) to begin
with to begin with got to be known in South America and after that created in
Brazil and Paraguay. Cassava is developed commercially in Indonesia amid
the rule of the Dutch East Indies around 1810 after previously introduced by
the Portugese within the 16th Century to the archipelago. In plant kingdom,
cassava class Euphohorbiaceae Dicotyledonae and incorporates family, genus
Manihot which has 7,200 species.
The most strategic crops around tropical world is Cassava. It is the basic
food of more than half billion people and it provides support for the cultivars,
food processors and dealers. Despite the significance of Cassava as a principle
crop and industrial raw material, the contribution of it efficient food in some
countries, has been neglected in agricultural development policies. (Food and
Agriculture Organization of United States, 2008)
Cassava generates billions of income for both families and the
government and contributes significantly to food security at various levels.
(FAO, 2012)
Cassava is grown both as food (for both humans and animals) and as
raw material (FAO, 2012). Cassava is the third largest source of calories
following rice and maize in the tropics (Food Safety Network, 2014). Its
processed products contain a large proportion of carbohydrates and minerals
(mainly starch). (Guira, 2013) Ethanol, starch, biofuel, flour, biscuits, bread,
jelly, thickening agents, gravies, custard powders, baby food, glucose and
confectionary are the most important industrial uses (Echebiri and Edaba,
2008)
Starches are inappropriate for most application, therefore starch must
be changed chemically or physically to strengthen its characteristics to
minimize defects. Starch can come from many foods just like cassava. This
research is about creating biodegradable plastics using acid materials
treatment. The results of their products needs to have tensile strength,
elongation test, colour, biodegradability test, morphology, solubility test and
moisture absorption were determined and compared with literature value.
“Biodegradable plastic prepared by acetylated method and cross-link method
was identified by using SEM and TG-DTA”. According to Lei Thu (2015).
Glycerine is a simple compound of polyols. It is a colorless, odorless,
viscous liquid with a high point of boiling and freezes to make a paste. The
plasticizer used in the production of films. A plasticiser is an additive which
softens the added material. (Ezeoha and Ezenwanne, 2013)
Biodegradable plastics are polymers or polymer blends, which in
addition to possessing properties similar to conventional plastics are
susceptible to natural decay. (Gómez-Martinez, Partal, Martínez et al., 2013)

Bioplastic simply refers to plastic made from plant or other biological
material instead of petroleum. It is also often called bio-based plastic. (Gibbens,
2018)
Bioplastics can be produced from plant starch, cellulose, lignin (wood),
oils and proteins. Like petroplastics, bioplastics are compounds constructed of
linked molecules that form long polymer chains (biopolymer). (Ying, 2014)
Biodegradable plastic packaging materials are easily tested micro-
organisms to solve environmental problems. (Darni and Utami, 2010)
Biodegradable plastic development has become the world's trend to prevent
environmental damage (Siracusa 2008). Kumoro and Purbasari (2014) indicate
that cassava starch is already mass produced on an industrial scale to
guarantee availability. Starch-based plastic characteristics are influenced by a
number of factors, including starch type and concentration (Harsojuwono and
Arnata, 2014) plasticizer type and concentration (Dewi, et al, 2015), gel
formation temperature and mixing, temperature and drying time, and other
factors.
Bioplastic, moldable plastic fabric made up of chemical compounds that
are determined from or synthesized by organisms such as microscopic
organisms or by hereditarily altered plants. Not at all like conventional plastics,
which are determined from petroleum, bioplastics are gotten from renewable
assets, and they are biodegradable. (Fridovich-Keil, 2019)

The use of plastic packaging continues from year to year. Increased
plastic use amounts to 5 percent per year (Damayanti, 2012), while the use of
Inaplas (2013) in Indonesia amounted to about 10 kg per capita per year.
Increased need for this plastic packaging was also followed by an increase in
environmental problems caused by waste plastic from mineral material (Aider,
2010).
According to Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons,
Ltd. (2012), Bioplastics that came from renewable sources are now ready to
commercial exploitation. Some of the important kinds of bioplastics are starch-
based plastics. Biodegradability can lessen the waste products and enlarge
recycling. By changing to biodegradable carrier bags, the considerable
reduction of contaminants in bio-waste and screened off by composting plants
enlarge the bio-waste quality.
According to European Bioplastics (2018), bioplastics are diverse family
of materials with differing properties. There are three main groups: First, Bio-
based (Or partially bio-based) durable plastics such as bio-based polyethylene
(PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (so-called drop-in solutions), bio-based
technical performance polymers, such as numerous polyamides (PA), or
(partly) bio-based polyurethanes (PUR); Second, Bio-based and
Biodegradable, compostable plastics such as polylactic acid (PLA),
polyhydroxyalkanaoates (PHA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), and starch
blends; Third, Plastics that are based on fossil resources and are
biodegradable, such as PBAT and PCL, but that may well be produced at least
partly bio-based in the future. Bio-based, durable plastics, such as bio-based
PE or bio-based PET, possess properties that are identical to their conventional
versions. These bioplastics are technically equivalent to their fossil
counterparts; yet, they can help to reduce a product’s carbon footprint.
Moreover, they can be mechanically recycled in the according existing
recycling streams. Innovative materials such as PLA, PHA, or starch-based
materials offer solutions with completely new functionalities such as
biodegradability and compostability and in some cases optimized barrier
properties. Along with the growth in variety of bioplastic materials, properties
such as flexibility, durability, printability, transparency.
According to the European standardization EN 13432, biodegradable
and compostable packaging wastes are only applicable for industrial
composting, leaving an open space with regards to standardization for home
compostability and biodegradation in other environments, like soil, fresh water
and marine water. Accordingly, with these standards, a compostable material
is biodegradable in composting and completely dissolves in the treatment
process; it does not release heavy metals into the compost which is produced
at the end of the process. Plastics which undergoes producing carbon dioxide,
water, inorganic products and biomass, at a reaction rate similar to the one of
other known compostable materials: the process has not to leave ay visible and
toxic residue (ISO 17088). The goods made by compostable materials cannot
be automatically defined compostable. The use of other substances in final
goods (e.g. dyestuffs) and also the thickness and the form of final goods could
require additional analysis to find out whether plastic good could be eventually
defined as compostable. (Plastics Europe, 2017).
According to Udensi et al., (2009) Starch came from two cassava
cultivars, the one is though high amylose and the other one is with high
amylopectin. They were test for their capacity to create biodegradable plastics
using other compositions of plasticizers. This is a certain indication of the rate
of degradability of bioplastics came from cassava is not depend on amylose
and amylopectin in the starch. Besides our product has demonstrated the same
that the bioplastics develop a starch that came from the cultivar has a higher
tensile strength than the other. When comparing these results are suggestive
of the “fact that though bioplastics produced from starch having a higher
amylopectin level would have a higher tensile strength” But still they do not
necessarily have a faster and a greater rate of degradation when composted.
The researchers’ purpose about this experiment is to being capable to
help the society about its environmental problems by developing a
biodegradable plastic using cassava starch. The method that the researchers
used in this research were all based on scientific method. The researcher used
eco-friendly materials that made of biodegradable materials that will not give
harmful effects to the society. The result showed that the product is completely
biodegradable, therefore it concludes that “Cassava starch is one of the most

promising raw material” when producing of biodegradable plastics because to
its availability in bigger quantity and its relatively low cost. (Duran, 2013)
2.2 Related Studies
The United Nations Environment released data from the 2015 study
“Plastic waste inputs from lands into the ocean” shows that the Philippines
wastes 6,237,653 kg (6875.84 tons) of plastic per day, of which 81% is
mishandled. (GMA News Online, 2018)
Plastics in the ocean often break into smaller pieces (microplastics) and
these particles can get caught in the gills of fish or ingested by marine life,
resulting in suffocation or starvation of the organism (Moore, 2008).
About 50% of plastics is used for single-use disposable applications,
such as packaging, agricultural films and disposable consumer items
(Hopewell et al., 2009) However, the durability of plastic makes single-use or
disposable items an increasing environmental threat because such a ‘high
resistance to aging and minimal biological degradation” can lead to long-term
problems (Moore, 2008).
One issue with plastics is the stress on solid waste management. (Chen,
2014)
Global plastic waste generation is expected to increase at a similar rate
with a 4 percent annual increase in global plastic production over the past 3
years. (Gourmelon, 2015)

Initiatives for plastic reduction often target individual consumers (My
Plastic Freetime, 2015; Life without Plastic, 2015; Zero Waste Home, n.d.).
Reduction is the first step in solid waste management, labeled as the
most important of three R's, followed by reuse and recycling. Because
reduction is the most effective waste management technique before the initial
point of consumption. (Plastic Waste Consumption, 2012)
Leakage and loss of plastics occurs at each step along the waste
management stream. As consumption exponentially increases while the
development of waste management infrastructure stagnates, new solutions to
the plastic waste management system are needed. (Merkle, 2014) Even with
estimates of just 0.1% of annual plastic waste leaving the waste management
system, these thousands of tons of plastic pollution have serious implications
for the environment and public health. (Cozar et al., 2014)
In recent years, packaging has played an important role, with more than
67 million tons of packaging waste resulting in environmental concerns. This
leads to many different processing processes, such as the use of additives
such as fillers, colorants and plasticizers to produce polymers as packaging
applications. Environmental, economic, and security challenges have led many
scientists to invent biodegradable polymers as a substitute for petrochemical
polymers. These biodegradable polymers or bioplastics indicate a environment
that is more environmentally friendly than conventional plastics, resulting in
environmental issues. But there is still a lack of development of bioplastics, as

its high cost of production leads to some limitations. The use of agricultural
waste (AW) has proposed an alternative to a low cost and renewable
substratum. Agricultural waste starch is the solution in addition to performance
and abundant sources for an alternative. Because of its low cost, starch
becomes a reasonable material for bioplastics production as a biodegradable
polymer. (Maulida, 2016)
Today's food packaging materials consist of a variety of, or combinations
of, plastic polymers, metals, glass, paper, and petroleum-derived board. Due
to its long-life properties, plastic is found to be the best of these packaging
materials. Consequently, its use increases daily.
However, naturally occurring processes cannot degrade plastics in a
short time; they are left as plastic waste and cause environmental problems.
Methods used to destroy other types of waste, such as burning and burying,
are not appropriate for plastic destruction. (Ezeoha and Ezenwanne, 2013)
"Biodegradable Polyethylene Bags," plastic bags Biodegradable (PE)
have nearly the same qualities as ordinary plastic bags. The composability
(biological reduction) of biodegradable plastic bags differs mainly. The
underlying technology is based on special additives that are supposed to
accelerate the degradation of film products if incorporated in standard PE
resins. Degradable PE films can help with plastic waste to reduce the problem.
By using degradable plastics, farmers can protect their horticultural crops
against harsh elements such as excessive amounts of sun, wind, rain and
disease without significant adverse effects on the yield, quality and heavy metal
content of these crops and on soil properties. (Soni and Saiyad, 2011)
Biodegradable plastic packaging materials are easily parsed
microoraganisms to solve environmental problems (Darni and Utami 2010).
Biodegradable plastic development has become the world's trend to prevent
damage to the environment (Siracusa, 2008). Many renewable natural
materials, such as cassava starch, can be used as biodegradable plastic
materials (Harsojuwono and Arnata, 2014).
Many researchers have collected a lot of data using starch from different
sources, including maize, wheat, rice and potato, for the production of
biodegradable plastics. So far only a few have used cassava starch. The
current results show that the production of biodegradable plastics using
cassava starch is feasible, as Stevens has also reported. (Udensi, 2009)
According to Duran, Villarata, Nermal, Dioneo, Villanueva et al., (2013)
on “Cassava Starch as a Major component in making “Biodegradable Plastic”.
As a result, the product exhibited the desirable mechanical properties of a
biodegradable plastic, making the product completely biodegradable.
Researchers conclude that cassava starch is one of the most promising raw
materials for biodegradable plastics development due to its high quantity
availability, relatively low cost and biodegradability.
Also, according to Sriroth and Sangseethong (2009) on “Biodegradable
Plastics from Cassava Starch”, Experimental studies have demonstrated that

cassava starch could be used for making various types of packaging products.
As a major source of starch in tropical and subtropical regions, cassava is a
promising raw material for the development of biodegradable plastics in these
areas. This article reviews the major types of biodegradable plastics based on
starch and their processes of manufacture. Research activities in the
development of biodegradable packaging materials on cassava starch are
highlighted.
Biopolymers replace traditional polymers based on petrochemicals
because of their improved biodegradability. The market for biopolymers is
estimated at 1.3 million tons worldwide in 2012 in its infancy compared to 180
million tons of global polymer demand. It is expected to grow at an annual rate
of 40% to 20 million tons by 2020, representing 7% of the global polymer
market. (Panchal & Kapoor, et al., 2014)
An analysis of a new market research report indicated that from 2015 to
2020, "starch blends are expected to represent the largest market share."
Starch blends accounted for 18.8% of the 2,05 million tons of bioplastics
produced worldwide in 2017. In fact, European Bioplastics stated that
"Bioplastics are being used in a growing number of markets, from packaging,
catering products, consumer electronics, automotive, farming / horticulture and
toys to textiles and a number of other segments." (Green Dot Bioplastics, 2019)
A Study on Biodegradable Plastic from Cassava (Manihot Esculenta) Starch by
Investigatory Projects in coordination with Department of Science and
Technology, BatoBalani (2012)
Based on the abstract of the study conducted by both Investigatory
Projects and DOST, the study entitled, 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. The researchers 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.
Cassava is basically composed of starch. Cassava starch is composed
of two components: amylose and amylopectin. Amylose is a long straight chain
of polymer of anhydroglucose units. Amylopectin is a branch of chain
compound, also anyhydroglucose units. Because plastics are made of
polymers, starch is a very favorable raw material in plastic-making.
The study was limited to one species of cassava, Manihot Esculenta.
The plastic produced was treated with different amounts of starch, polyvinyl
alcohol (binder), epoxidized soy bean oil (stabilizer), and glycerol (plasticizer).
The finished product was expected to be comparable to commercial
plastics in terms of clarity, reaction to acid and bases, water absorption, tensile
stress, tensile strain, electrical conductivity and flammability.
Based on Investigatory Projects in Cooperation with the Department of
Science and Technology a study which is to produce biodegradable plastic, in
order to determine the right combination, three batches with different
proportions were prepared. Batch 1: 50 grams PVA (1:4 ratio of PVA to water),
50 grams water, 50 grams starch, 2.5 grams ESBO, 2.5 grams glycerol. Batch
2: 50 grams PVA (1:4 ratio of PVA to water), 65 grams water, 65 grams starch,
2.5 grams ESBO, 2.5 grams glycerol. Batch 3: 50 grams PVA (1:4 ratio of PVA
to water), 80 grams water, 80 grams starch, 2.5 grams ESBO, 2.5 grams
glycerol. Measured amounts of water and starch were mixed and boiled, using
a hot plate (at 80 degrees centigrade, until a sticky paste was formed. After
removing the starch-water mixture from the hot plate, the rest of the materials
were added. After mixing was passed through a roll-mill with a temperature of
118 degrees to 120 degrees Centigrade. Then, it was compressed, using a
compressor with a temperature of 130 degrees Centigrade for seven minute.
The samples produced were cut into 1-inch-by-2-inch strips for testing.
CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY
3.1 RESEARCH DESIGN
The researchers made use of descriptive normative design where the
result and/or findings of the study should be compared with the norm.
3.2 RESEARCH SETTING
The study was conducted at Biga 1 Silang, Cavite and 286 Sampaloc I
Dasmarinas, City Cavite wherein the researchers conducted their experiment.
3.3 RESEARCH PROCEDURE
A. Gathering of materials
The researchers bought silicone mat, silicone spatula, 2 kilograms of
cassava starch, and stainless casserole in Pala-Pala, Dasmariñas City,
Cavite while glycerine (glycerol) was bought in Tagaytay City.
B. Materials in making of Manihot Esculenta (Cassava) Biodegradable
Plastic
The materials that were used in the preparation of the Cassava
bioplastic are the following:
 4 tbsp. Cassava Starch
 2 tsp. Glycerine (Glycerol)
 2 tsp. Vinegar
 8 tbsp. Water
 Stainless Casserole
 Measuring cup
 Measuring spoons
C. Preparation for the making plastic from cassava
1. First, measure the amount of cassava starch in, water, glycerol and
vinegar in a measuring spoon.
2. Then dissolve in a casserole.
3. Stir in a low heat until a sticky paste is formed.
4. Remove the starch-based mixture from burner.
5. After mixing all materials, the mixture is poured into a silicon mat and
parchment paper flatten by a silicon spatula.
6. Then, air-dry the mixture for hours until a plastic-like was formed from
the mixture.
There were a total of twenty (20) attempts in producing a biodegradable
plastic from cassava starch. A total of 5 successful attempts were
accomplished to produce a biodegradable plastic. The best plastic was
produced on the 20 attempt. This was the basis for producing the
biodegradable plastic which was then used for testing.

3.4 DATA GATHERING
The biodegradable plastics made from Cassava underwent
biodegradability and durability tests.
The samples underwent biodegradability tests. The biodegradable
plastic produced were cut into strips for testing.
1. Tensile test. This test determined the durability of the produced
plastic when put under duress. A strip of biodegradable plastic was
hooked onto a spring balance with a maximum of 1 kilo Mobile
phones (weighed) was placed one at a time inside the folded
biodegradable plastic that was hung on the spring balance. We
continued to put a total of six mobile phones until the plastic got torn.
2. Water test. This test determined the solubility of produced plastic
when exposed to liquid agents. Three one centimeter strips of
biodegradable plastic was immersed into three (3) graduated
measuring cups filled with tap water. The tap water in each
measuring cup measured 15ml, 15ml, and 15ml. Each cup with strip
of the produced plastic will be observed based on the time it
dissolved and the amount of water it was immersed into.

CHAPTER 4
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Table 4.1 Tensile Test

Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Trial 4 Trial 5 Trial 6
130 g 139 g 139 g 195 g 140 g 130 g
Using the tensile test in order to determine the durability of the cassava
biodegradable plastic it can be noted that after six trials of testing by adding
weight to the cassava biodegradable plastic sample which was observed for
ten seconds. The cassava biodegradable plastic can hold the average weight
of 145.5 grams.
Table 4.2 Water Test
Cup 1 Cup 2 Cup 3
15 ml 15 ml 15 ml
10:28.42 10:56.6 11:27.12
In order to determine the biodegradability of the cassava biodegradable
plastic, there were 3 sets of trials where the cassava biodegradable plastic was
soaked in a graduated measuring cups. It can be noted that the sample was
dissolved in an average time of 11.08 minutes.

CHAPTER 5
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This chapter discusses the summary of the research work undertaken,
the conclusions drawn and the recommendations made this study. The first part
discusses and highlights the result that support the main objective of the study
and the second part concludes the research.
Characteristics of a biodegradable plastic
1. Biodegradable plastics can be composted and/or digested anaerobically
additionally to material recovery and to energy recovery. (Biodegradable
Plastics fact sheet)
2. Biodegradable plastics are developed for specific applications which
offer certain additional advantages during use and/or recovery.
(Biodegradable Plastics fact sheet)
3. The “biodegradability” of plastics is dependent on the chemical structure
of the material, on the constitution of the final product and the conditions
of degradation. (Biodegradable Plastics fact sheet)
4. Plastics which undergoes a degradation through biological process
through composting process producing carbon dioxide, water, inorganic
products and biomass, at a reaction rate similar to the one of other known
compostable materials. (Biodegradable Plastics fact sheet)
5. Durability refers to the ability of a material to offer its performance for a
long period without significant deterioration by resisting effects of use and

ageing. The durability of a plastic also depends on the conditions the
plastic is subjected to. (Food & Biobased Research)
Assumptions
1. The plastic made from cassava starch is biodegradable.
2. The biodegradable plastic made from cassava starch is durable.
Conclusions
1. Cassava starch has two components: amylose and amylopectin.
Amylose is a long straight chain of polymer of anhydroglucose units.
Amylopectin is branch of chain compound, also of anhydroglucose units.
Therefore, cassava starch is a very favourable raw material in plastic-
making.
2. The produced biodegradable plastic from cassava starch has the
capacity to hold 1 kilogram without exceeding in weight. Therefore,
biodegradable plastic from cassava starch is durable because it can
carry 1 kilogram.
3. Cassava starch is a natural raw material. Therefore, the plastic made
from cassava starch is biodegradable.

Recommendations
The following recommendations are being presented:
1. Since the researchers’ main objective is to produce a durable and
biodegradable plastic from cassava starch, future researchers who
may be interested in this study, may work more on improving the
product in terms of other attributes of a plastic and to produce
environmental-friendly related products.
2. Apply the standard procedure in producing biodegradable plastic.

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The Effectiveness of Cassava (Manihot Esculenta) Starch in Creating Biodegradable Plastic

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Philippine Christian University 1

Junior High School Department

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

The cassava is cultivated mainly in the tropic region like in the

As a subsistence crop, cassava is the third most important carbohydrate food

source in the tropics after rice and maize.

Cassava is a promising raw material for the development of

biodegradable plastics in these areas. Biodegradable plastics is one big step

to lessen, if not total eliminate, our global concerns.

Generally, this study is to replace the conventional non-biodegradable

plastics. Nowadays pollution are aggravating because of plastics and their

over again. Unfortunately, it is non-biodegradable. Accumulations of

commercial plastics as one of the non-biodegradable wastes is a perennial

problem. Being composed of toxic chemicals and most importantly a non-

biodegradable substance, plastic pollutes earth and leads to water pollution.

have started with the help of technology in producing biodegradable plastic

Starch it can help to maintain and improve our environment because it is

biodegradable. The researchers want to provide an alternative to commercial

plastic which is biodegradable plastic derived from Cassava root crop.

is a very favourable raw material in plastic-making and to lessen the pollution

objective of this study is to create a biodegradable plastic that can be degraded

through environmental circumstances. The researchers expect that after

conducting experiment they will creating biodegradable plastic.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Main Objective: To produce an effective biodegradable plastic as alternative

to a commercial plastic by utilizing cassava starch as its main raw material.

1. How long does it take for a biodegradable plastic strip to dissolve in

1.3 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Independent Variable Dependent Variable

Figure 1. Research Paradigm

determine the effectiveness of cassava starch as biodegradable plastic.

1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The findings of this study will benefit the following:

The study will also serve as a launching pad to encourage other

researchers to further conduct studies in exploring natural raw materials

such as cassava starch, which can create biodegradable plastics.

knowledge about alternative raw materials that can be used as

the pollution we are facing.

The study will be a big help to the family because instead of

alternative biodegradable plastics to commercial polymer plastics.

problems of littering and garbage particularly in the rivers and seas.

Alternative plant-based bioplastics can assist the growth of a more

This study will contribute a safe biodegradable plastic that can be

used as an alternative to commercial plastic that are being reused,

1.5 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

This study focused on the effectiveness of Cassava starch as an

alternative to commercial plastic. The researchers created a biodegradable

was to produce an environment-friendly biodegradable plastic. The use of

bioplastic is disposable. It is not advisable to use the bioplastic for wet

between commercial plastic and biodegradable plastic.

1.6 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Conceptual: According to Cambridge University (of a substance)

able to decay naturally and without harming the environment.

Operational: One of the characteristics or attribute of the produced

biodegradable plastic that will determine the average time in

dissolving the biodegradable plastic.

Conceptual: According to Merriam Webster Dictionary, any of

their edible tuberous roots which yield a nutritious starch.

Operational: Raw material and the main ingredient used in producing

Conceptual: According to Groliers Dictionary, able to withstand wear

and tear or decay; lasting.

Operational: One of the characteristics or attribute of the produced

biodegradable plastic that will determine the maximum weight and

length of time it will last before being torn.