feasibility study of producing bioplastic from flower stalk of musa paradisiaca

FEASIBILITY OF PRODUCING BIOPLASTICS FROMMusa Paradisiaca FLOWER STALK STARCH

Leah Rose F. ParasAleah Syrille DR. Reyes

Jen Odessa L. ConstantinoJheremy Mach M. Corpuz

Marinelle P. GaboyLaurenz Xilec P. Lim

Ryan Carlo G. MagpantayTrisha Kate N. NagañoJoerelyn Joy P. Ruedas

A Research ProposalSubmitted in the Partial Fulfillment of Requirements

For the Subject Research IIn The

Faculty of the Department of ScienceFebruary 2013

APPROVAL SHEET

The research proposal attached hereto entitled, “FEASIBILITY OF

PRODUCING BIOPLASTICS FROM Musa Paradisiaca FLOWER STALK

STARCH”, prepared and submitted by LEAH ROSE F. PARAS, ALEAH SYRILLE

DR. REYES, JEN ODESSA L. CONSTANTINO, JHEREMY MACH M. CORPUZ,

MARINELLE P. GABOY, LAURENZ XILEC P. LIM, TRISHA KATE N. NAGAÑO,

and JOERELYN JOY P. RUEDAS, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the

subject Research I is hereby accepted.

WAJAVINA N. CATACUTANAdviser

Accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the subject Research I.

NENITA C. MANALASTAS SSHT3 – Science Department

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

By the end of the 20th century, we were living in what has been called the Age of

Plastics. Plastics have often been regarded as a symbol of waste and the contamination of

Earth for environmentalists. However, while this opinion is fairly widespread, there are

some voices of praise, as the French philosopher Roland Barthes said, “Plastics are the

first magical material that are ready for everyday use.” The economic importance of this

material is in fact huge. One of the negative qualities attributed to plastics is that they are

generally non-biodegradable (Frick, 2007). Because of this, many techniques had been

developed to solve the problem with non-biodegradable plastics.

An estimated number of 4 trillion disposable plastic bags are made globally each

year. This presents a huge disposal problem, which only reusable, recyclable bags may

solve. Also, as the oil supplies worldwide dwindle, the long-term future of plastics may

lie in the development of bioplastics. Biodegradable and compostable bioplastics which

are derived from renewable natural biomass sources such as corn starch and vegetable oil.

(Bradley and Harvey, 2009).

However, the use of corn, which is the principal raw material for the production

of bioplastics is greatly opposed, because corn is regarded as a staple food for many

people around the world, and global corn consumption raised by 4 percent in 2011

(Rattray, 2012). As a result, numerous studies are being conducted to determine the

potential properties of unused fruit and vegetable plant parts as promising starch-based

materials for bioplastics production to settle the morality issues related to corn plastics.

Statement of the Problem

This study is to be conducted to evaluate the feasibility of using Musa

paradisiaca flower stalk, as an additive in the production of bioplastic.

Specifically, the study is concerned in finding answers to the following questions:

1) How much time does it take for the resulting bioplastic to biodegrade?

2) How can the resulting bioplastic from Musa paradisiaca compare with the

commercial corn bioplastic in terms of the following:

a) Tensile Strength and Percent Elongation

b) Tear Resistance

Significance of the Study

Plastics, like diamonds, are forever. The pollution brought by this so-called

“cancer-of-nature” is indeed alarming. Like the 196 countries in the Earth battling with

the plastic pollution, the Philippines is also struggling to get rid of the harmful effects it

brings the environment. So the search for biodegradable, compostable and bio-based

plastics began. However, the principal material for the bioplastic production, PLA

(Polylactic acid) comes from fermented corn starch among others. Therefore, resulting to

issues concerning the use of corn, a staple food crop, in the production process.

Conducting this study can therefore evaluate the potential properties of Musa

paradisiaca flower stalk, as an alternative starch resource for bioplastic production.

Given that Musa paradisiaca flower stalk is widely regarded as an unusable plant part,

the use of it for production may settle the morality issues concerning bioplastics and can

help in the further development of bioplastics from non-edible and unused plant

resources.

Scope and Delimitations

This study will be conducted to determine the feasibility of producing bioplastic

from the starch of Musa paradisiaca flower stalk and to identify the biodegradability,

tensile strength, percent elongation and tear resistance of the resulting product. This study

limits itself to the production of plastic with the flower stalk starch as an additive and

does not intend to determine the other properties of Musa paradisiaca for additional

purposes.

Definition of Terms

a. Bioplastics

- Bioplastics are referred to as plastic resins which are eco-friendly or derivative

of raw plant materials. They are mostly produced from renewable natural

biomass sources such as corn starch and vegetable oil.

b. Musa Paradisiaca

- Musa Paradisiaca is the scientific term for the plantain, or cooking banana, a

variety grown to tropical countries around the world.

c. Starch

- Starch is a white, granular carbohydrate produced by plants during

photosynthesis which serves as the plant's energy storage.

d. Polylactic acid or polylactide (PLA)

- PLA is a biodegradable and thermoplastic polyester derived from renewable

resources, such as corn starch or sugarcanes. It is a polymer that can be

produced from lactic acid.

e. Plastic Pollution

- Plastic pollution is the accumulation in the environment of man-made plastic

products to the point where they create problems for wildlife and their habitats

as well as for human populations.

http://reprap.org/wiki/Lactic_acid

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Musa paradisiaca

Musa paradisiaca is a banana variety widely known and grown around the world

(Mohapatra, 2010). The fruits are picked when they are unripe and starch-rich, but when

they ripen the starch turns into simple sugars. Musa paradisiaca is about 30 feet high and

produces green or greenish-yellow seedless fruits. The name "plantain" refers to Musa

paradisiaca l., which requires cooking before it is eaten (Ngo, 2012). The average

plantain is about 12 inches long and weighs about 9-3/4 ounces. And, in contrast to the

desert bananas like Cavendish, it is known to be starchier and less sweet (Grygus, 2012).

Plantain is native to Southeast Asia and India (Ngo, 2012). Moreover, the

Philippines, being a tropical country, is one of the top producers of this banana variety

which is abundantly planted on vast Philippine farmlands (DA, 2011).

The whole Musa paradisiaca plant can be used in numerous ways. As well as the

banana plantain waste materials, which are reportedly rich in nutrients and minerals.

There had been studies concerning that the floral stalk, which is regarded as a waste part

of the Musa paradisiaca, contains an amazingly high starch composition amounting by

26%. This percentage only shows that the floral stalk possesses high potentials for

pharmaceutical, industrial, and food applications (Mohapatra, 2010). Therefore, from the

relatively huge amount of starch that can be extracted from the plantain flower stalk, its

potential use in starch-based bioplastic production can hopefully be determined.

Bioplastics

Bioplastics are referred to as plastic resins which are eco-friendly or derivative of

raw plant materials (Shen, Worrell & Patel, 2009). They are similar to traditional plastics

in their application but the difference is that they are characteristically biodegradable in a

specified composting cycle (UKEssays.co.uk, 2011).

Bioplastics are mainly made from plant-derived starch. Such resources include

[mostly] corn, potatoes, and soybean. Bioplastics materials are said to be biodegradable

because of the fact that they can undergo degradation process when microorganisms act

on them eventually giving water, carbon dioxide gas, organic compounds such as

methane and biomass. Biodegradation process is said to be a cell-initiated process that

uses microorganisms, enzymes, bacteria and fungi. (Carus et al., 2009).

When bioplastics are compared to traditional materials, they offer a range of

differences in terms of recycling process and environmental impact. The recycling

process for bioplastics is not complicated, economical and takes place in real time. The

fact that they are biodegradable explains why they have less impact on environment and

thus, have been used for widely in various sectors (Oku, 2005).

Bioplastics materials find various applications in the industrial sector due the

degree of various industrial products that can be derived from these materials. Bioplastics

products derived from starch materials finds more application than any other renewable

resources. This is because of its various properties suits the current market. They have a

biodegradation ratio close to cellulose, with their mechanical characteristics related to

traditional plastics. They have thus been classified as best renewable sources suited for

the production of films, injection molded items and foams (Bastioli, 2001).

However, the bioplastic industry has been criticized for using edible agricultural

feedstock, mostly corn, to derive PLA (Polylactic acid) which is a main component in the

production. This resulted to some protests questioning the morality of turning edible food

into packaging (Royte, 2006). So, developments on the growing industry of bioplastics

production are going on to discover much promising materials for manufacture, hence,

unused and waste plant parts (Melanson, 2010).

METHODOLOGY

Collection of Sample

Preparation of Sample

Starch Extraction and Purification

Plastic Formation

Plastic Evaluation

Technical Property Test

Resistance to Chemicals

Biodegradability Test

Collection of Samples

The Musa paradisiaca flower stalk samples that will be used in the study can be

obtained from Brgy. Mangino, Gapan City, Nueva Ecija.

Sample Preparation and Starch Extraction

Flower stalk of banana will be peeled, washed and cut into cubes. Four thousand

two hundred (4,200) grams of the cut flower stalk of banana will be steeped in 4.8 l of

0.3% NaOH solution at room temperature for 24 hours. It will be homogenized suing a

blender and passed through a 200- mesh sieve and will be treated again with 4.8 l of 0.3%

NaOH solution. The sample will be shaken continuously for three hours and will be

allowed to stand overnight. Cloudy supernatant will be drained off and the sediment will

be diluted again to 4.8 l of 0.3% of NaOH solution. The process will be repeated until the

supernatant becomes clear and gives negative reaction to the biuret test for protein. The

test WILL BE done by placing 2 ml of the sample in 2ml of 10% NaOH solution, and

then 1ml of 0.1m copper sulfate solution will be added to the mixture. Formation of blue

to violet precipitate would indicate positive result.

The starch will be suspended in distilled water and passed through a 200-mesh

sieve and will be repeatedly washed with distilled water until the supernatant no longer

shows a pink color with phenolphthalein. The starch will be collected by sedimentation

and filtration.

Plastic Formations

Different ratios of water, starch from flower stalk of banana, starch, PVA

(polyvinyl alcohol), glycerol, and vegetable oil will be prepared to determine the right

combination to produce good quality of plastic and a treatment with cornstarch to be

compared to the resulting bioplastic.

Treatment 1 will be made of 20 g of PVA, 200 ml water, 4g of cornstarch, 6ml

vegetable oil, and 10 ml of glycerol. Treatment 2 will be made of 20 g of PVA, 200 ml

water, 1 g flower stalk of banana starch, 6 ml vegetable oil, 16 ml glycerol. Treatment 3

will be made of 20g of PVA, 200 ml water, 3g banana flower stalk starch, 6 ml vegetable

oil, 16 ml glycerol. Treatment 4 will be made of 20g of PVA, 200 ml water, 5g banana

flower stalk starch, 6ml vegetable oil, 16 ml glycerol. Treatment 5 will be made of 20g of

PVA, 200 ml water, 7g banana flower stalk, 6ml vegetable oil, 16 ml glycerol.

The glycerol and vegetable oil will be mixed and boiled using a hot plate of 60-80

C for 10-15 minutes to expoxidized. Water, flower stalk of banana and PVA will be

mixed and heated on a hotplate with temperature maintain at 60-80C until the mixture

become sticky. The mixture will be then removed from the hot plate and the mixture of

expoxidized glycerol and vegetable oil will be added. After mixing the material well, the

solution will be spread in the glass frame and the stirring rod will be use to level its

thickness. It will be then left overnight to be dried and will be cast off from the glass

frame.

Evaluation of Technical Properties

The plastic sheets that will be formed are conditioned and tested in a room

temperature maintained at the Standard and Testing Division, Industrial Technology

Development Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Taguig, Metro Manila.

The technical properties that will be tested are tensile strength, percentage

elongation and tearing strength.

Tensile Properties

Tensile Strength and Percentage Elongation

Plastic sheets will be cut into uniform sizes and initial mean width and thickness

of the plastic strips will be recorded.

Each plastic strip will be mounted in the grips of the testing machine. Grips will

be tightened uniformly and firmly to prevent the plastic samples from slipping. Plastic

samples will be clamped so that the distance between the grips of the testing machine will

be 100 mm and the gauge marks will be centrally disposed between the grips. The

calibrated extensometer will be adjusted before application of stress. Speed of testing will

be set and the following information will be recorded.

a. The force and corresponding deformations at appropriate and approximately

even intervals of strain in the region of elastic behavior or until SPECIFIED

strain will be reached.

b. The distance between the gauge marks at yields, at maximum load break

c. The force at specified distance between the gauge marks

d. The force at break and/ or maximum load

e. The force at conventional yield limit.

Maximum tensile stress can be calculated at the offset yield point in the basis of

the original cross-sectional area of the plastics by the equation:

σ= AF

Where σ= tensile stress (maximum)

F= force in Newton

A= initial cross-sectional area of plastic in square millimeter

Percentage elongation can be calculated on the basis of the original gauge length

by the formula:

% = l−lo

lo

Where l = distance between the gauge marks in millimeters

lo = original gauge length in millimeters

Tear Resistance

The mean value of the thickness of the plastic will be measured, then the initial

separation of the grips will be set to 75mm. The plastics will be then clamped and aligned

in the grips so that it’s major axis coincides with an imaginary line joining the center of

the grip. The required speed of testing will be set in the machine and the load necessary

to propagate the tear through the entire unslit length of the plastic will be recorded. Tear

resistance of plastic can be calculated from the formula:

Tear Resistance = F t

d

Where Ft = tearing force in Newtons

d = thickness of plastic in millimeters

Resistance to Chemicals

Standard reagents intended to be a representative of the main categories of pure

chemical compounds, solutions, and common industrial products will be prepared for this

analysis.

Specimens from plastic sheet materials will be cut from a representative sample of

each treatment. Plastic sheets will be cut in form of bars 3 inches in length and 1 inch in

width. These plastic sheets will be then placed in petri dishes filled with reagents to be

totally immersed in the prepared reagents. The changes in appearances of each plastic

sample will be noted after exposure to chemical reagents.

Test for Biodegradability of the Plastic that will be Produced

The plastic sheet produced from the different treatments were cut into the same

size (2“x2”), air-dried, and weighed. Six samples for each treatment will be prepared.

The initial weights of the plastic sheets were recorded. Destructive sampling will be

designed for the test. The plastic sheets sandwiched in 2 chicken wire sheets were buried

2 inches deep into the soil formerly used as compost pit.

At five days interval, each plastic type will be collected, cleaned gently for

adhering soil particles and other debris, air-dried and re-weighed. Physical appearance

and characteristic of the plastic sheets collected as well as the change in weight were

noted.

The biodegradability test will be done for one month. Decomposition will be

measured in terms of loss in dry weights of the plastic sheets, and the rate of decay will

be calculated.

Decomposition will be measured in terms of loss in dry weights of the plastic

sheets. Rate of decay would be calculated based on the Weigart and Evans (1964)

equation as cited by Cuevas and Sajise (1978) as cited by Cuevas and Manaligod (1997).

Rate = ln W o−ln W t

t (days)

Where Wo = mean initial weight of plastic

Wt = mean weight of plastic at sampling date

t = time in days

Statistical Tool

Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) is the research design that will be

used in the study. The study will be analyzed using the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA).

CURRICULUM VITAE

Name: Leah Rose Figueroa Paras

Address: #291 Jacinto corner Valmonte St., San Vicente, Gapan City, Nueva Ecija

Birthday: January 15,1999

Birthplace: Premiere General Hospital, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija

Name of Father: Rommel M. Paras

Name of Mother: Leonora F. Paras

Name of Sisters: Louise Ruth F. Paras

: Rossellene F. Paras

Educational Backgroundf. Pre-Elementary

Gapan South Central SchoolSan Vicente, Gapan City

S.Y. 2003-2005g. Elementary

Divina Pastora CollegeSan Vicente, Gapan City

S.Y. 2005-2011h. High School

Juan R. Liwag Memorial High SchoolBayanihan, Gapan City

S.Y. 2011-present

Favorite Subject: Natural Sciences

Ambition: to be a medical doctor

Philosophy in Life: "Only those who dare to believe in one's self can achieve what they

dream to be."

Name: Aleah Syrille DR. Reyes

Address: Nieves, San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija

Birthday: July 31, 1999

Birthplace: Gonzales Hospital, San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija

Name of Father: Silvestre G. Reyes

Name of Mother: Alona DR. Reyes

Name of Sisters: Ashlyn Syrah DR. Reyes

: Arich Suzanne DR. Reyes

Educational Backgrounda. Pre-Elementary

Blessed Angels Christian School Nieves, San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija

S.Y. 2002-2004

Divina Pastora CollegeSan Vicente, Gapan City, Nueva Ecija

S.Y. 2004-2005 b. Elementary


S.Y. 2005-2011 c. High School


S.Y. 2011-present

Favorite Subject: Mathematics

Ambition: to be a psychiatrist

Philosophy in Life: “You only live once, but if you live it right, once is enough.”

Name: Jen Odessa Lobendina Constantino

Address: M.H. Del Pilar, Sto. Niño Gapan City


Birthplace: Sto. Niño Gapan City

Name of Father: August B. Constantino

Name of Mother: Joy L. Constantino

Name of Brother/Sisters: Jan Oslo L. Constantino

: Alysa Joyce L. Constantino

: Hannah Kim L. Constantino

Educational Backgroundb. Pre-elementary

Gapan North Central SchoolGapan City, Nueva Ecija

S.Y. 2003-2005c. Elementary


S.Y. 2006-2011a. High School


S.Y. 2011-Present

Favorite Subject: Research

Ambition: to be a pediatrician

Philosophy in life: "In three words, I can sum up everything I've learned about life, it goes on.

Name: Jheremy Mach Malaca Corpuz

Address: P. Cruz, Mangino, Gapan City

Birthday: January 29, 1999

Birthplace: Gapan District Hospital

Name of Father: Paulino M. Corpuz

Name of Mother: Alma M. Corpuz

Name of Sisters: Pristenz Honey M. Corpuz

: Precious Mielle M. Corpuz


Gapan East Central School San Lorenzo, Gapan City S.Y. 2003-2005

b. ElementaryGapan East Central School San Lorenzo, Gapan City S.Y. 2006-2011

c. High SchoolJuan R. Liwag Memorial High School

Bayanihan, Gapan CityS.Y. 2011-present


Ambition: to be a geodetic engineer

Philosophy in Life: “Life is like riding a bicycle, in order to keep its balance, you must

keep on going.”

Name: Marinelle Padilla Gaboy

Address: Sto. Niño Gapan City

Birthday: March 30, 1999

Birthplace: Peñaranda, Nueva Ecija

Name of Father: Ronnie N. Gaboy

Name of Mother: Nelia P. Gaboy

Name of Sister: Sarah Veronica P. Gaboy

Educational Backgrounda. Pre-elementary

Sto. Nino Elementary SchoolGapan City, Nueva Ecija

S.Y. 2003-2005b. Elementary

Gapan South Central SchoolGapan City, Nueva Ecija

S.Y. 2005-2007 & 2009-2011

Jessica Victoria Montessori SchoolSan Isidro, Nueva Ecija

S.Y. 2007-2009c. High School


S.Y. 2011-Present

Favorite Subject: Mathematics

Ambition: to be an engineer

Philosophy in life: “Even the very best fail sometimes.”

Name: Laurenz Xilec Paunan Lim

Address: San Lorenzo, Gapan City

Birthday: October 1, 1999

Birthplace: Gapan City District Hospital, Gapan City

Name of Father: Felix F. Lim

Name of Mother: Mercelia P. Lim

Name of Brother: Lew Joseph P. Lim





S.Y. 2005-2006

Gapan South Central SchoolGapan City, Nueva Ecija



S.Y. 2011-Present


Ambition: To be a successful doctor.

Philosophy in Life: “Success is not permanent, and failure is not final.”

Name: Ryan Carlo Geronimo Magpantay

Address: San Vicente, Gapan City

Birthday: February 27, 1997

Birthplace: San Vicente, Gapan City

Name of Father: Roberto A. Magpantay

Name of Mother: Lourdes G. Magpantay

Name of Brothers: Paulo G. Magpantay

: Angelo G. Magpantay

: John Jolo G. Villareal


Gapan Educational Center for ChildrenGapan City, Nueva Ecija



S.Y. 2004-2006

Gapan East Central SchoolSan Lorenzo, Gapan City, Nueva Ecija



S.Y. 2011-presentFavorite Subject: Research

Ambition: to be a culinary chef

Philosophy in Life: “Do not dream of becoming anyone else but yourself.”

Name: Trisha Kate Nicerio Nagaño

Address: Mambangnan, San Leonardo

Birthday: June 3, 1999

Birthplace: Chinese Hospital, Manila

Name of Father: Bernard P. Macadangdang

Name of Mother: Michelle N. Nagaño

Name of Sister: Kassandra Margot Nagaño


Camalig Learning SchoolAlbay, Bicol

S.Y. 2003-2004

Good Shepherds Love Christian SchoolSan Leonardo, Nueva Ecija


Clever Lane Montessori SchoolSan Leonardo, Nueva Ecija



S.Y. 2011-present

Favorite Subject: Algebra

Ambition: to be an accountant

Philosophy in Life: “The moment you stop trying to become a better person is the

moment you start to become worse than what you already are.”

Name: Joerelyn Joy Paunan Ruedas

Address: Mangino, Gapan City, Nueva Ecija


Birthplace: C. Alvarez corner Margarita St. Nasugbu, Batangas

Name of Father: Joselito M. Ruedas

Name of Mother: Rowena P. Ruedas

Name of Brothers/Sisters: Roman Jay P. Ruedas

: Gerard Joe P. Ruedas

Educational Background

a. Pre-elementary

Mangino Elementary SchoolMangino, Gapan City

S. Y. 2004-2005b. Elementary

Mangino Elementary SchoolMangino, Gapan City

S. Y. 2005-2011c. High School


S. Y. 2011-present

Favorite Subject: Biology

Ambition: to be a television broadcaster

Philosophy in Life: “Great things come from small beginnings.”

feasibility study of producing bioplastic from flower stalk of musa paradisiaca

Documents

corn plastics

corn starch

biodegradable plastics

production of bioplastics

bioplastics production

use of corn

age of plastics

commercial corn bioplastic