CREATING A BIOPLASTIC USING BAMBOO SCRAPS AND CORN STARCH : A

COMPARATIVE STUDY

A Research study
Presented to the Faculty of
Integrated School – Senior High School
Batangas State University
Batangas City

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the
Practical Research II

By:

Mendoza, Julian Jefferson M.

Mentoy, Jan Jericho C.
Mercado, Yvann Lowell A.

Dr. JED C. TOLENTINO

Background of the Study:
 This research aimed to lessen the use of non-biodegradable plastic due to its

rising number of production in the world. Plastic waste is a global problem for decades

due to its property to withstand biodegrading for a long time and its chemical properties

that can pollute the environment. The Philippines is one of the most countries who

dump plastic waste in the sea. According to the study of the Ocean Conservancy charity

and the McKinsey Centre for Business and Environment (2015), 2.7 million tonnes of

non-biodegradable plastic are generated in the Philippines.

Recent studies have shown the creation of bioplastics which are composed of

biodegradable materials. These bioplastics are compostable into to the soil without

harm and in a short period of time. An invention by Bradley Sokoly in 2015 shown the

possibility of creating a bioplastic cup using bamboo powder and polylactic acid(PLA)

resin as the main ingredients. Bamboo is a raw material that will only take 3-5 years to

regrow from its peak length which is biodegradable at the same time which makes it an

effective and efficient material for the invention. In this study, the researchers are using

bamboo peels instead of powder and cornstarch as the main raw material for the

bioplastic. This research aims to compare the overall performance of two different ways

of creating the bioplastic.

Statement of the Problem:

 This study aimed to replace the non-biodegradable plastic in the country due to

its rising number of production and its harm to the environment. In addition to that, non-

biodegradable plastics have low tolerance to heat and have low durability.

1. How effective is bioplastic mainly composed of bamboo powder in terms of:

1.1. Biodegradability

1.2. Thermal resistance

1.3. Durability

1.4. Feasibility

1.5. Tensile strength

1.6. Compression tests

2. How effective is bioplastic mainly composed of bamboo peels in terms of:

2.1 Biodegradability

2.2 Thermal resistance

2.3 Durability

2.4 Feasibility

2.5 Tensile strength

2.6 Compression tests

3. Is there a significant difference between using bamboo peels and bamboo

powder in the bioplastic in terms of:

3.1 Biodegradability
 3.2 Thermal resistance

3.3 Durability

3.4 Feasibility

3.5 Tensile strength

3.6 Compression tests

Procedure (Methodology):

Research Design

The researchers used experimental design which will be necessary for the study

since it is the primary method of investigating the correlation of variables in a

scientifically done experiment. Methodological design will also be used by researchers

due to the development of the materials and their validity and reliability to be able to

measure the constructs used as variables in the research.

Subject of study

The research materials are bamboo peels, corn starch, vinegar and glycerine?

The bamboo peels will be harvested from the city of Batangas. The rest will be bought

from the market.

Bioplastic Synthesis
 Bamboo peels will be mixed with cornstarch, water, vinegar, and glycerine in the

laboratory machine. After the mixing, the solution will be casted on the desired shape of

the bioplastic. After that, the bioplastic will be heated for the hardening of the solution.

For the last step, the bioplastic will be placed on a clean glass container to be cooled for

the preparation of its shipment.

Test Procedures

The bioplastic will undergo certain tests in chosen laboratory of the researchers

to determine the biodegradability, thermal resistance, durability, and tensile strength of

the product. To test the finished product, the researchers will conduct three tests ,

biodegradability test, tensile strength and compression test of the bioplastic.