The Investigatory Project of Group 2 of St Therese

The Fishy Plastic Introduction: Bioplastic is just like plastics, but instead of non-renewable petroleum as source, it uses organic sources like plant sources (corn starch, soybean oil, hemp oil, etc.) and microbial sources. They can be made by using plant sugar conversion, fermentation and cultivation. Unlike petroplastics they are biodegradable when disposed properly, reducing waste production. Statement of Problem: Plastic is the most convenient material man ever discovered due to its relatively cheapness, ease of manufacture, versatility, and imperviousness to water. Plastics are used almost everywhere in the world, but plastic has another effect. Because it is composed of chemicals and it takes too long to degrade, improper disposal has lead to waste problems and pollution which is destructing our environment. Objectives: With that of the problem, A solution is achieved by many; Bioplastic. Only in the study which this is based wont use those which are already common like those made of corn starch, soybean oil and hemp
oil. Fish Scale would be used as said in the study being tested. Scales have always been a waste to mankind but, if this can be a source of bioplastics, there will be a help for waste reduction at the same time with fossil fuel consumption, environment conservation and a cheaper alternative from the usual plastic.

Scope and Delimitations The study will be operated to determine the possibility to produce bioplastic from Bangus and MayaMaya . This study includes microbial fermentation as a process to produce plastic from melted scales of tilapia varieties. This study limits itself to the determination of the possibility fish scales as source of bioplastic and does not intend to seek for its effect and further processing for a specific usage. Methodology

Materials: 12 ounces of Fish Scale Heat-proof covered container Stove Glass containers

General Procedure:

1. Collect Fish Scales. Collected samples will be washed then dried under the sun until they are fully dried out. The samples will be melted with 250 milliliters (mL) of water using a stove. Temperature will be kept at 100C. This process will be replicated by using different levels of water-500mL, 750mL, 1L.

2. The melted fish scales will be fermented in glass container(s), for 2 weeks at a room temperature between 26-38C.

3. Cover the fish scales with water until they are just covered in a heatproof covered container. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer until the scales turn into a mass of soft viscous mush. Do not allow any extra water to get into the pot and keep the fluid from evaporating from the container. The fishermen used to put it into a closed container which they put into a large container of boiling water. 4. Cook the mixture on low heat for several hours. Allow 6 to 8 hours for the collagen to dissolve releasing the calcium phosphate into the water. When this glue is applied, the water dissolves and the calcium phosphate will form a bond with whatever it touches. 5. Remove the container from the heat and inspect the contents. If the scales have dissolved, cool the mixture and keep it closed until you are ready to use it. This should produce clear, mucilaginous glue that is a strong adhesive. 6. Keep it like that for atleast a week before molding it. Conclusion: The fish scales are truly effective as said in the study. It is durable and elastic. Like other plastic materials it can hold water. The study has proven that even those things that we simply called waste can be a material for making something that is constantly used by people. Recommendations: We recommend this highly to the countries having a problem with plastics on which are causing landslide, flashflood and chemical diseases. Plastics from fish scales are bioplastics therefore; it can

disintegrate faster than normal plastics. Also, this bioplastics havent been mix with any chemical so it is good for our health and for our environment if we burn it. Biobliography:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bioplastic http://www.princeton.edu/~ota/disk1/1993/9313/9313.PDF http://www.ehow.com/how_4793957_glue-fish-scales.html http://www.millipore.com/sustainability/eco3/bioplastics http://www.scribd.com/doc/30495324/Bio-Plastics-From-Fish-Scales