Feasibility Study of Producing Bioplastic From Flower Stalk of Musa Paradisiaca

FEASIBILITY OF PRODUCING BIOPLASTICS FROM Musa Paradisiaca FLOWER STALK STARCH

Leah Rose F. Paras Aleah Syrille DR. Reyes Jen Odessa L. Constantino Jheremy Mach M. Corpuz Marinelle P. Gaboy Laurenz Xilec P. Lim Ryan Carlo G. Magpantay Trisha Kate N. Nagaño Joerelyn Joy P. Ruedas

A Research Proposal Submitted in the Partial Fulfillment of Requirements For the Subject Research I In The Faculty of the Department of Science February 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. CATACUTAN Adviser

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.

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

Biodegradability Test

Resistance to Chemicals

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:

Where = 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:

%=

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 =

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 =

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 Background f. Pre-Elementary Gapan South Central School San Vicente, Gapan City S.Y. 2003-2005 g. Elementary Divina Pastora College San Vicente, Gapan City S.Y. 2005-2011 h. High School Juan R. Liwag Memorial High School Bayanihan, 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 Background a. Pre-Elementary Blessed Angels Christian School Nieves, San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija S.Y. 2002-2004 Divina Pastora College San Vicente, Gapan City, Nueva Ecija S.Y. 2004-2005 b. Elementary Divina Pastora College San Vicente, Gapan City S.Y. 2005-2011 c. High School Juan R. Liwag Memorial High School Bayanihan, Gapan City 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 Birthday: July 21, 1998 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 Background b. Pre-elementary Gapan North Central School Gapan City, Nueva Ecija S.Y. 2003-2005 c. Elementary Gapan North Central School Gapan City, Nueva Ecija S.Y. 2006-2011 a. High School Juan R. Liwag Memorial High School Bayanihan, Gapan City 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

Educational Background a. Pre-Elementary Gapan East Central School San Lorenzo, Gapan City S.Y. 2003-2005 b. Elementary Gapan East Central School San Lorenzo, Gapan City S.Y. 2006-2011 c. High School Juan R. Liwag Memorial High School Bayanihan, Gapan City S.Y. 2011-present Favorite Subject: Research 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 Background a. Pre-elementary Sto. Nino Elementary School Gapan City, Nueva Ecija S.Y. 2003-2005 b. Elementary Gapan South Central School Gapan City, Nueva Ecija S.Y. 2005-2007 & 2009-2011 Jessica Victoria Montessori School San Isidro, Nueva Ecija S.Y. 2007-2009 c. High School Juan R. Liwag Memorial High School Bayanihan, Gapan City 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

Educational Background a. Pre-Elementary Gapan North Central School Gapan City, Nueva Ecija S.Y. 2003-2005 b. Elementary Gapan North Central School Gapan City, Nueva Ecija S.Y. 2005-2006 Gapan South Central School Gapan City, Nueva Ecija S.Y. 2007-2011 c. High School Juan R. Liwag Memorial High School Bayanihan, Gapan City S.Y. 2011-Present

Favorite Subject: Research 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

Educational Background a. Pre-Elementary Gapan Educational Center for Children Gapan City, Nueva Ecija S.Y. 2002-2004 b. Elementary Divina Pastora College San Vicente, Gapan City S.Y. 2004-2006 Gapan East Central School San Lorenzo, Gapan City, Nueva Ecija S.Y. 2007-2011 c. High School Juan R. Liwag Memorial High School Bayanihan, Gapan City S.Y. 2011-present Favorite 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 Educational Background a. Pre-Elementary Camalig Learning School Albay, Bicol S.Y. 2003-2004 Good Shepherds Love Christian School San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija S.Y. 2004-2005 b. Elementary Clever Lane Montessori School San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija S.Y. 2005-2011 c. High School Juan R. Liwag Memorial High School Bayanihan, Gapan City 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 Birthday: July 7, 1998 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 School Mangino, Gapan City S. Y. 2004-2005 b. Elementary Mangino Elementary School Mangino, Gapan City S. Y. 2005-2011 c. High School Juan R. Liwag Memorial High School Bayanihan, Gapan City S. Y. 2011-present

Favorite Subject: Biology Ambition: to be a television broadcaster Philosophy in Life: “Great things come from small beginnings.”