1

INTRODUCTION

Nature and Importance of the Study

The study is all about using Rice Husks as a strengthening additive to a

Cassava based bioplastic, by utilizing the Lignin that is present within the Rice

Husks, in order to improve the characteristics of bioplastic such as: water

resistance, tear resistance, and fire resistance while being compostable.

The Rice husk was largely considered a waste product that was often burned

or dumped on landfills (Gummert n.d.). Gummert even stated in Vietnam, it used

to be a waste some years ago and was dumped in the rivers, causing a big problem,

but now it has a value. In fact, in most countries, the rice husk is not considered as

waste anymore. Some enterprising companies are turning it into various products

not only for the eco-conscious market place but also for the industrial sector. With

this in thought we can hypothesize that the once known gigantic waste by-product

(Rice Husks) are now being utilized and developed by companies into exemplary

innovations that could alter the look of rice husks not just on the view point of the

agricultural and milling industries but also of the whole world (Santiaguel 2013).

Considering Lignin as a Binder. For example Lignosulfonates are a very effective

and economical glue, acting as a binding agent or “glue” in pellets or compressed

materials. Lignosulfonates used on unpaved roads reduce environmental concerns

from airborne dust particles and stabilize the road surface. This binding ability

makes it a useful component of biodegradable plastic, coal briquettes, plywood &

particle board, ceramics, animal feed pellets, fiberglass insulation, carbon black,
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and etc (Pure Lignin Environmental Technology n.d.). The performance of concrete

with cement replacement by Rice Husks Ash (RHA) is outstanding considering

resistance to water and chloride ion penetrations which are, in many cases, the most

important characteristic concerning durability and corrosion prevention

(Ramezanianpour et al. 2009).

Currently, bioplastics are utilized as alternatives to petroleum based

plastics, in order to save our environment from the harmful effects of the latter. The

question is whether these bioplastics can withstand the forces that surround it. It

revolves around the issue on how we can improve the bioplastic’s water resistance,

tear resistance, folding endurance, and fire resistance with the use of a cheaper and

organic material which we can easliy acquire.

In order to bridge this gap, the researchers intend to utilize the agricultural

waste Rice Husks while developing an eco-friendly alternative where we humans

could benefit from by incorporating powdered Rice Husks to a Cassava Based

bioplastic to improve its strength characteristics while maintaining its

compostability.
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Objective of the Study

The study aims to:

1. Utilize Rice Husks (RH) as a strengthening additive to Cassava – Based bioplastic

in the following combinations:

𝑇0 100 % Cassava – Based Bioplastic

(15 g Cassava Starch; 10 ml

Glycerin; 100 ml water)

𝑇1 + 10 g : Powdered Rice Husk; and

Cassava – Based Bioplastic (15 g

Cassava Starch; 10 ml Glycerin;

100 ml water)

𝑇2 + 15 g : Powdered Rice Husk; and

Cassava – Based Bioplastic (15 g

Cassava Starch; 10 ml Glycerin;

100 ml water)

𝑇3 + 20 g : Powdered Rice Husk; and

Cassava – Based Bioplastic (15 g

Cassava Starch; 10 ml Glycerin;

100 ml water)
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2. Test the strength characteristics of the produced RH-bioplastic based on

a. Water Resistance

b. Tear Resistance

c. Fire Resistance

d. Compostability; and

3. Determine which combination has the best strength characteristics.

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REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDY

Rice Husk

The production of rice husks is directly proportional to the production of rice. If the

production of rice exponentially increases annually therefore the production of rice husks

will result in the same quantity. In 2014, the Philippines rice industry performed well,

reaching a national production all time high of 18.97 million metric tons. The 2.87%

production growth exceeded the previous year’s record by 528,406 million tons. The boost

in production is attributed to the 3% improvement in the average yield per hectare, which

increased from 3.89 million tons per hectare in 2013 to 4 million tons per hectare in 2014

(Rosellon 2015).

We can see that the production of rice husks is increasing year by year with no

known application nor ways of how to discard which results to harmful effects in the

environment. In the book entitled “Cellulose Fibers: Bio- and Nano- Polymer Composites”,

Rice Husks (rice hulls) are described as abundantly available by-products that are unusable

by the milling industry which are also not commercially interesting and could cause serious

pollution problems. These agricultural wastes are being produced with no available use

(Kaila et al. 2011).

Rice Husk is composed of half cellulose, a quarter to 30% lignin and 15-20% of

silica. Both cellulose and lignin are removed by burning, leaving behind silica ash. When

partially burned, RHA has a black color; which is identified as carbonized ash. While

completely burned the RHA has a whitish to gray color known as silica ash (Ismail 1996).
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Petroleum Based Plastics and Bioplastic

Since the early 20th century, there has been an increase in the production,

development, and utilization of plastics. Its use and importance have become a part of our

daily lives which makes it hard to imagine the present without it. Most plastics at the

moment are created from petroleum through extraction and synthesis by chemical means.

Because plastics made from petroleum are non-biodegradable, plastic waste is very

durable, and disposing it has turned into a serious problem. Despite movements and

activities that promote recycling, landfills are exponentially filling up with plastic wastes

which also affects the environment. Another predicament caused by petroleum-based

plastics is the depletion of petroleum resources. All known sources of petroleum will be

gone before the end of the 21st century which is estimated through the current rate of

consumption of petroleum resources. Given that everyday lives are dependent on plastics,

that petroleum used to make plastics is a non-renewable resource, and that petroleum-based

plastics pollute the environment, a renewable and eco-friendly alternative for the long run

may be found in bioplastics (Keil 2016).

A bioplastic is defined as a plastic that is either composed partly or completely of

polymers from sugar cane, potato starch or the cellulose from trees, straw and cotton

which are all biological sources. Bioplastics are not just one single substance, they are

made of a variety of materials with different properties and utilizations (Chen 2014).
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Cassava – Based Bioplastic

Cassava is a potential raw material for the innovation of bioplastics (Sriroth and

Sangseethong 2006).

Cassava starch is the most affordable carbon source in the area and can be used for

the production of biodegradable plastics in the future in two different ways. As polymers

and as the blending material Cassava starch can be modified in different ways, so that the

properties of starch in the polymer blend are the best possible. This will lead to reasonable

production cost (Sriroth et al 2001)

Strength Characteristics of Bioplastic

Water Resistance

Using starch, gelatin and agar as main components in making bioplastics, would

create hydrophilic biopolymer own, and when made into plastic, they are not water resistant

(Green Plastics 2011).

The method used in testing a bioplastic’s water resistance is using 20 drops of

water, as it was the carrying capacity of the 3.5cmx4.5cm sections. Biodegradable

bioplastics cannot be called “waterproof” as they degrade in salt water. During the testing,

while all three types of plastics withstood 20 drops without permeation most of the time, it

was observed that the starch was the least porous. As after the testing its underside was not

moist and still quite firm, while the agar and particularly the agar-starch felt damp and

limp. A non-water resistant substance (e.g. a tissue) would have been penetrated and would
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leak within about 10 drops, so the extra 10 drops were used in order to determine which

plastic was the least permeable to water (Lin 2016).

Tear Resistance

Tear resistance is the tear strength of a biodegardable plastic, it shows how much

force the bioplastic withstand before breaking apart. One standardized method in testing

tear resistance is the use of a spring balance while attaching it to the bioplastic gradually

adding weight until the bioplastic breaks (Green plastics 2013).

Fire Resistance

The biodegradable resins imitate the characteristics of their petroleum based

counterpart, and different resins have different characteristics in relation to heat resistance,

tensile strength, impact resistance, MVTR, oxygen barrier etc. One of the main

compostable resin PLA, for example, has a heat resistance of only 110° F while other

compostable resins can have a much higher heat resistance. (World Centric n.d.).

NEC Corporation announced that they have accomplished in developing above

standard flame resistant bioplastics without incorporating harmful and toxic materials such

as halogens and phosphorus compounds. The said bioplastic has passed top level flame

resistance tests which is regulated by Under Writer Laboratories (UL). In addition to that,

it boasts other important properties such as heat resistance, moldability, and strength that

are comparable to those of fiber-reinforced polycarbonate used in desktop-type electronic

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products. This development will realize the use of bio-plastics in electronic products as

well as contributing to environmental friendliness.

Main characteristics of the bio-plastic include the following:

Top-level flame resistance (UL94 5V and UL94 V-0/ 1.6mm test piece thickness)

has been achieved by the use of a safe inorganic material that absorbs heat during

ignition. Other important properties such as heat resistance, moldability, and strength

have been satisfied by the addition of special additives that improve these properties

(NEC 2004).

Compostability

Bioplastics are a form of plastic that can be made from renewable bio-based

resources. Many bioplastic materials are designed to be biodegradable and some are

designed to be compostable. These properties are important for the functionality of the end

product and for its disposal. When considering the environmental impact of disposing of a

bioplastic product, the difference in meaning between biodegradable and compostable is

important. A compostable product also breaks down into smaller compounds with the help

of biological organisms, but it does so in specific conditions to a defined outcome. In

general, a compostable product breaks down in a specific timeframe in a controlled moist,

warm, aerobic environment to produce compost that is non-toxic and can enhance soil and

support plant life (Science Learning Hub 2013).

American Society for Testing and materials (ASTM) D6400 is the standard

specialized test for solid material biodegradation (by composting) required for labeling of
 10

plastics designed to be aerobically composted in is municipal or industrial facilities.

(American Society for Testing and Materials 2016)

Scope and Limitations of the Study

This study limits the researchers to: the use of Rice Husks as a raw material for the

study; the availability of the materials that are to be used in the experiment; the time that

was planned and allotted for the experimentation; and the idea of the research to use the

Lignin and Silica from Rice Husks as additives to bioplastic.

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METHODOLOGY

Research Design

The researchers will conduct quantitative study with an Experimental Research

design where there will be a controlled variable (𝑇0 ) and manipulated variables (𝑇1 , 𝑇2 , and

𝑇3 ) in order to produce different observable and measurable effects. The researchers will

add various amounts of powdered Rice Husks to a simple Cassava based bioplastic mixture

in order to compare its varying water resistance, fire resistance, compostability, and tear

resistance.

Research Setting

The study will be conducted by the researchers at the Southern Leyte State

University – College of Teacher Education’s chemistry laboratory during the month of

March 2018.
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Research Procedure

Gathering of Materials, Apparatuses, Utensils, and Equipment

The researchers have gathered the needed materials (Cassava, Glycerol/Glycerine,

Rice Husks, paper clips, nylon string and water.), apparatuses (beakers, spring balance,

weights, spatula, scoopula, stirring rods, Bunsen burner, clamps, mortars and pestles),

equipment (blender, digital weighing scale, stove, support stands, and hot plate), and

utensils (knife, cutting board, measuring cup (liquid), measuring spoons, chiffon cloth,

containers and molds.)

Preparation of the starch from the Cassava

The researchers rinsed and peeled the Cassava properly. They cut the peeled

Cassava into smaller pieces with the use of the knife and the cutting board. Then the

researchers washed the Cassava again, put the pieces in the blender with generous amount

of water, blended the Cassava pieces till it turns into a smooth mixture, tied a chiffon cloth

over a container and used it as a sieve in separating the chaff from the liquid. After that,

the researchers wrung the chaff using the chiffon cloth for any excess liquid. Then the

researchers have set the liquid aside and let the starch settle for a couple of hours. After the

starch separates from the water, the researchers decanted the water from the container and

was left with wet starch. The researchers have let the starch dry for a couple of hours and

then it was ready for use.

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Preparation of the Powdered Rice Husks

The researchers washed the Rice Husks in water through a container, and then let

it dry for a couple of hours or with the use of an oven. The researchers pulverized the Rice

Husks for a few minutes with the use of a blender until they are uniformly shredded.

Preparation of the Modified Bioplastics

The researchers will weighed 15 grams of Cassava starch with the use of a digital

weighing scale. The researchers measured 100ml of water using a measuring cup for

liquids. Finally, the researchers measured 10ml of Glycerine using a measuring spoon. Four

beakers were prepared with the corresponding labels 𝑇0, 𝑇1, 𝑇2, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑇3 . They combined 15

grams of Cassava starch, 100ml of water, and 10ml of Glycerine to each beaker. The

researchers added 0 grams of powdered Rice Husks to 𝑇0 , 10 grams of powdered Rice

Husks to 𝑇1 , 15 grams of powdered Rice Husks to 𝑇2 , and 20 grams of powdered Rice

Husks 𝑇3 . The mixtures were mixed thoroughly with the use of a stirring rod. The

researchers, cooked the mixture by placing the beakers on a hot plate under medium heat.

The mixture were stirred until it thickens and becomes transparent. The mixtures were

transferred to molds with the same dimensions. And were dried for a couple of days.

Testing the produced modified Bioplastics

The researchers popped the dried bioplastics out of their molds and were tested it

in terms of water resistance, tear resistance, folding endurance, and fire resistance.
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Water Resistance

For the water resistance test, the researchers cut samples of the bioplastic and were

firmly clamped and suspended so it will be taut between two support stands, and then a

pipette was used to drop water on the same spot twenty times or until the water will fall

through the samples.

Tear resistance

For the tear resistance test, the researchers set up a two support stands parallel to

each other and attached a nylon string crossing the two support stands, the researchers bore

three holes in the bio plastic one in the upper left, one in the upper right and one in the

lower middle. All the holes were attached with paper clips. The bioplastic was attached to

the nylon string via the two upper paper clips. In the lower paper clip the researchers

attached a spring balance (a known instrument to measure force) and will add five grams

of weight repeatedly in the spring balance until the bioplastic breaks.

Fire Resistance

Horizontal Burning Test (94HB)

The researchers applied flame to one of the end of a horizontal strip of bioplastic

for a duration of 30 seconds or when the flame reaches a designated mark. The researchers

used the time taken when the flame reached the second mark as the measurement when the
 15

burning persist. When the burning stops, the researchers used the time of burning and the

damaged length as measurements.

Vertical Burning Test (94V)

The researchers positioned a strip of bioplastic vertically. They applied flame in the

lower end of the bioplastic. Measurements were classified according to the given table. The

test required the material to be self-extinguished in order to pass.

Compostability

The researchers integrated the modified bioplastics to organic bodies, which were

turned into compost. The researchers observed and checked the bioplastics in their

corresponding compost from which bioplastic degrades in efficiently; the allotted

maximum number of days for the observation is 90.

Formation of Conclusion.

The researchers gathered and analyzed the needed data, then formed a conclusion

of the study.
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Recommendations

Recommendations Achieved If No, Reasons:

Find standardized methods: Yes

• Water Resistance

• Fire Resistance

• Tear Resistance

• Compostability

Contact Companies that produce Yes and Emailed companies did

bioplastics No not replied

Compare with commercialized No No available

bioplastic; use it as one of the commercialized

treatments bioplastics both in the

market and net

Improve write ups/ manuscript Yes

Add Compostability as one of Yes

the factors of bioplastic

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Progress Report

*Note: This study is partially completed with no gathered data.

Progress:

• Contacted/ Emailed companies that produce bioplastics; no reply

• Found standardized methods

• No available commercialized bioplastic

• Scratched silica off as an additive; no available furnace that can produce large

quantities of silica

• Searching for plasticizer; bought plasticizer (Glycerin) in Cebu city

• Bought Cassava; extracted starch from Cassava

• Produced modified bioplastics

• Updated manuscript

Lacking:

Testing of bioplastic

 Water Resistance

 Fire Resistance

 Tear Resistance

 Compostability
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Documentation

Fig. 01 Peeled Cassava

Fig. 02 Chopped Cassava

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Fig. 03 Blending the Cassava Pieces with Water

Fig. 04 Separating Cassava Chaff from Water Starch Mixture

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Fig. 05 Separating Cassava Starch from water

Fig. 06 Wet Cassava Starch

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Fig. 07 Drying Cassava Starch Using Oven

Fig. 08 Cassava Starch

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Fig. 09 𝑇0 , 𝑇01 , 𝑇02 , and 𝑇03 (from left to right)

Fig. 10 Heating the Mixture of Cassava Starch, Water, Glycerine, and Rice Husks
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Fig 11. Thickening of the Heated Bioplastic Mixture

Fig 12 Modified Bioplastics

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Gather the needed materials,

apparatuses, equipment, and
utensils.

Preparation of Cassava Starch,

Powdered Rice Husks, and Rice Husk
Ash

Preparation of the modified bioplastics

Testing the produced modified Folding

Water
bioplastics Endurance Test
Resistance Test

Fire Resistance
Tear Gathering and analysis of data
Test
Resistance Test

Formation of conclusion

Fig. 13 (Flow of study procedure)

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

Articles

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). 2016. Determining Packaging

Compostability [Online]. https://www.astm.org/standardization-

news/?q=update/determining-packaging-compostability

Chen Y.J. 2014. Bioplastics and their role in achieving global sustainability [Online].

http://www.jocpr.com/articles/bioplastics-and-their-role-in-achieving-global-

sustainability.pdf

Fridovich-Keil JLF. 2016. Bioplastic [Online].

https://www.britannica.com/technology/bioplastic

NEC. 2004. NEC Succeeds in Development of Flame Resistant Bio-Plastic [Online].

http://www.nec.co.jp/press/en/0401/2601.html

Rosellon E. 2015. IRR News. Philippines: Department of Agriculture 2014 top rice

producing provinces

Santiaguel AF. International Rice Research Institute [Online]. http://irri.org/rice-today/a-

second-life-for-rice-husk
 26

Science Learning Hub. 2013. Biodegradability, Compostability, and bioplastics [Online].

https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/1473-biodegradability-compostability-and-

bioplastics

Book

Kalia S, Kaith BS, Kaur I. 2011. Cellulose Fibers: bio- and nano-polymer composites.

Springer Science & Business Media.

Studies

Bakar RA, Yahya R, Gan SN. 2016. Production of High Purity Amorphous Silica from

Rice Husk. Vol. 19. pp. 189 - pp.195. Doi: 10.1016/j.proche.2016.03.092

Ramezanianpour AA, Mahdi KM, AhmadibeniGh. March 2009. The Effect of Rice Husk

Ash on Mechanical Properties and Durability of Sustainable Concretes

Ismail MS, Waliuddin AM. April 1996. Effect of rice husk ash on high strength Concrete.

Sriroth K, Sangseethong K. 2006. Biodegradable Plastics From Cassava Starch. Doi:

10.17660/ActaHortic.2006.703.16
 27

Mnlyono N, Suhartono MT, Angelina S. 2015. Development Of Bioplastic Based On

Cassava Flour And Its Starch Derivatives For Food Packaging. Atma Jaya Catholic

University. Jakarta 12930, Indonesia.

Sriroth K, Chollakup R, Piyachomkwan K, Oates CG 2001. Biodegradable Plastics From

Thailand

Lin. 2016. Plastic: a pesky problem [Online]. http://www.youngscientist.com.au/wp-

content/uploads/2016/01/261-report.pdf

Websites

Sullivan D. 2015. Making Bioplastics [Online].

http://stanford.edu/~dsull/Making_Bioplastics.pdf

Pure Lignin Environment. 2009. [Online].-http://purelignin.com/lignin/

Green Plastics. 2011. Q&A: Can I Make Waterproof Bioplastic? [Online]. http://green-

plastics.net/posts/70/qaa-can-i-make-waterproof-bioplastic/
 28

Green Plastics. 2013. Measuring Properties Of Bioplastic [Online]. http://green-

plastics.net/posts/92/measuring-properties-of-bioplastic/

World Centric. Compostable Plastics. [Online]

http://worldcentric.org/biocompostables/bioplastics
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APPENDICES

Budgetary Requirement

Material Quantity Cost Total

Cassava 5 Kilograms 15 pesos per kilograms 75 pesos

Glycerine 120ml / bottle x 2 114 pesos per 120ml 228 pesos

bottles

Chiffon Cloth ½ meter 120 pesos per meter 60 pesos

363 pesos

Timetable

Weeks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Preparation of materials, apparatuses, equipment

and utensils

Conducting of the research

Finish research
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Republic of the Philippines

Southern Leyte State University – College of Teacher Education
Senior High School
San. Isidro, Tomas Oppus, Southern Leyte

Letter of Request

February 27, 2018

Cancio L. Rola, Ph.D.
Area chair
Science and Mathematics Area
Southern Leyte State University – College of Teacher Education

Dear Sir,

We, the grade – 12 STEM researchers (group Sogod and Bontoc II: Jumari Jake O.
Pausanos, Rommel Lyndon T. Dagaas, Arthur M. Adobas Jr., and Maria Angelica V. Tindugan)
would like to request to use the Chemistry laboratory and some of the laboratory apparatuses and
equipment namely six 120ml beakers, one spatula, one scoopula, two clips, two clamps, six petri
dishes, six stirring rods, two mortars, two pestles, one Bunsen burner, two support stands, one
spring balance, ten 5grams weights, one digital weighing scale and one hot plate. We will use these
apparatuses and equipment for our research entitled “Utilizing Rice Husks as a Strengthening
Additive to Cassava (Manihot esculenta) Based Bioplastic” which will be conducted in the month
of March 2018; we plan to occupy the said laboratory during Wednesdays (8:30 am to 12:00 nn)
and Fridays (1:00 pm to 5:00 pm).

Respectfully Yours,

The Grade – 12 STEM Researchers

Noted by:

DR. LILLIAN D. BALBON

Research Adviser

Approved By:

DR. CANCIO L. ROLA

Area Chair, Science and Mathematics