Potato Starch, a Better Additive in Making a Bio-degradable Plastic

An Investigatory Project

Presented to:

MS. Geanne Faculty of Science Statefields School Inc

In Partial Fulfillment Of the requirement for Technical Writing & Science

By: Camba, Rafael Hidalgo, Angelene Pagente, Lady Grace Samonte,Arielle Dayne Ramos, John Maverick Samonte, Arielle Dayne

CHAPTER I THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTINGS Background of the study

Disposable plastics are the greatest source of plastic pollution. Plastic bags, straws, bottles, utensils, lids, cups and so many others offer a small convenience but remain forever. Biodegradable plastics are derived from renewable biomass sources, such as vegetable fats and oils, corn starch, pea starch or microbiota.These plastics break down (degrade) upon exposure to sunlight(e.g., ultra-violet radiation), water or dampness, bacteria, enzymes, wind abrasion, and in some instances, rodent, pest, or insect attack are also included as forms of biodegradation or environmental degradation. Some modes of degradation require that the plastic be exposed at the surface, whereas other modes will only be effective if certain conditions exist in landfill or composting systems. Starch powder has been mixed with plastic as a filler to allow it to degrade more easily, but it still does not lead to complete breakdown of the plastic. Now, the experiment is making use of Potato Starch, if it is a better additive for making bioplastics than Corn starch.

Statement of the problem The main problem to be answered: 1) Does the starch of the potato make a biodegradable plastic better? Sub problems a. How well did the two kinds starch go with the plastic? b. How were the effects of potato to the plastic different from the cornstarch?

Hypothesis 1)The bioplastic that will be made from the potato starch will have a good quality since it is made naturally . a. They will have the same output when it comes to durability, but will differ from the physical appearance and texture of each of the two bioplastics. b. The bioplastic made from potato will be thicker

Significance of the study

As we go to different stores to buy what we need, people at the cashier puts our items in bags. These bags come in handy at most times,yes, we re-use it. But not all the bags they use are durable. Like paperbags that rip-off when you buy frozen, heavy and sharp things. (e.g. canned goods, frozen fruits, tools etc.) Plastic is indeed a better material to be used for various packaging bags. but then, plastics have the ingredients that could harm our environment. we are now to present the better way of producing plastic; eco-friendly and efficient.

This study is significant because we want to inform other people that by using household materials we can make a bioplastic. There are a lot of research about bioplastic and this is one of them. Some of those research is very deep and has a lot of explanation. But by having this simple investigation, we make our research simple for younger ones to understand useful and eco friendly ways to save our environment. At this state, our environment need more trees because, trees are being cut to make paperbags for markets to use. This is where our study comes, because of the major use of plastics in market, bio plastic will be a lot needed better than paperbags.

Scope and Limitation.

Plastics are flexible materials, can be readily changed and they may be very suitable for use in any container or packaging. Plastic bags are durable, reusable and cheap. They are also readily available and plentiful. They come in variety of sizes too, however, Scientists estimate it will take 500 to 1,000 years for each plastic bag to degrade.

Once 'set' these plastics cannot be reheated to soften, shape and mould. The bond between the molecules is very strong and this is why they cannot be reshaped or recycled. Starch powder has been mixed with plastic as a filler to allow it to degrade more easily, but it still does not lead to complete breakdown of the plastic.

Definition of Terms Bioplastics - are the green and sustainable alternative to traditional plastics, and are created using renewable resources like corn, tapioca, potatoes, sugar and algae. Microbiota(intestinal) - found in the Human intestines, has now emerged as an extremely plastic entity and capable of being reconfigured in response to different environmental factors Ultraviolet (UV) light/rays - are invisible rays that are part of the energy that comes from the sun. Biodegradation or Enviromental Degradation - chemical dissolution of materials by bacteria or other biological means. Starch - an odorless tasteless white substance occurring widely in plant tissue and obtained chiefly from cereals and potatoes. Dissolving starch in warm water gives wheat-paste, which can be used as a thickening, stiffening or gluing agent.

CHAPTER II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE