i

TITTLE:

DEVELOPMENT OF BIOPLASTICS FILM USING CASSAVA/TAPIOCA FLOUR AS THE SOURCE OF

STARCH AND TO STUDY THE EFFECT OF GLYCEROL AS THE PLASTICIZER.

BY:

ADAM RASHID BIN NOOR RASHID (AN120091)

CHANG WEN QI (AN120195)

KHAIRUL ANWAR BIN ROSLI (AN120228)

MUHAMMAD AZHIM BIN ABDUL HALIM (AN120019)

NOR HAZLIZA BINTI MAT SIRIP (AN120015)

SYAHIRA SYAELLA BINTI SALLEH (AN120014)

TAN KIAN MENG (AN120214)

CHEMICAL PROCESS AND SUSTAINABILITY

(BNQ20603)

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

FACULTY OF ENGINNERING TECHNOLOGY

UNIVERSITI TUN HUSSEIN ONN MALAYSIA

ii

First of all, with consent from Allah, we were given a good health to handle a project

about bioplastic. A special appreciation was expressed to our lecturers which is Dr

Mazatusziha Binti Ahmad for willing to spend her time and energy to listen to our problems

and gives advice to us. Her advice and knowledge has helped us to finish this project

efficiently.

Furthermore, we would also like to express our gratitude towards laboratory assistants

at MTKK laboratory leads by Madam Aziah who gave us permission to use the laboratory

and assist us in using the equipments in the laboratory. A special thanks goes to the staff

involved who gave a lot of useful information to us about our project. Last but not least, we

would like to thank our classmates, family and friends for their support. Without their

support, the project will not be finished within the limited time frame.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER TITLE

PAGE

TITTLE i

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ii

ABSTRACT iii

LIST OF TABLES iv

LIST OF GRAPH iv

LIST OF FIGURES iv

1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Current and Future Development

1.2 Problem Statements

1.3 Objective of the Study

1.4 Significance of the Study

1.5 Scopes of the Study

1-2

3

4

4

5

2

LITERATURE REVIEW

6-8

3

METHODOLOGY

3.1 Materials

3.2 Apparatus

3.3 Making Process

9

9

9

3.3.1 Procedure making the plastic film

3.4 Testing Technique

3.4.1 Water Absorption ASTM D570

3.4.2 Comparison of Bio-Plastics and

Petrochemical Plastics

9-10

11

12

4

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

4.2 Result of Testing

4.2.1 Result Water Absorption ASTM D570

4.2.2 Comparison of Bio-Plastics and Petrochemical

Plastics

4.2.2.1 How Bio-Plastic Different from

Petroleum Based Plastic?

13-15

16

16-17

5

CONCLUSION

5.1 Conclusions

5.2 Recommendations

5.3 Limitations and Solutions

18-19

20

21

REFERENCES

APPENDICES

22

23-26

1

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

The introductory chapter comprises of detailed impetus that initiate the study on the

development of new BIO-plastic materials based on water soluble bio-based polymer

by means of direct mixing of the bio-polymers with a plasticizer and eventually, a

thermal and moulding process which shapes the materials and gives them suitable

mechanical properties to be used as substitutive materials of synthetic polymers in

certain applications biodegradable plastics (bio-plastics) as green and sustainable

alternative to conventional plastics. Detailed description and justification of various

aspects of manufacturing of bio-plastics are presented alongside with some possible

implications study. Subsequently, this research reveals our aim and specific objectives

of the study, followed by a brief account its limitations before our concluding

remarks.

1.1 Current and Future Development

Currently, research on redesign of plastics and developments in biodegradable plastics

are initiative taken to overcome the waste problem resulted from the usage of

conventional petro-plastics. The implications of redesign and increase use of

biodegradable plastics are able to maximise benefits and minimise risks. The redesign

of plastic products can occur at a chemical level and a product level. Bio-based (or

bio-sourced) plastics use polymers produced from renewable sources. Since

traditional plastics use petroleum, substitution by bio-based plastics can potentially

reduce fossil fuel use. There are four main categories of bio-based plastics:

a) Starch-based bio-plastics

Manufacture from either raw or modified starch (e.g.thermoplastic starch or TPS) or

from the fermentation of starch-derived sugars (e.g.polylactic acid or PLA). Common

starch sources include maize, wheat, potatoes and cassava.

2

b) Cellulose-based bio-plastics

Typical chemically-modified plant cellulose materials such as cellulose acetate (CA).

Common cellulose sources include wood pulp, hemp and cotton.

c) Lignin-based bio-plastics

Contain wood (or lignocellulosic plant material) produced as a byproduct of the paper

milling industry.

d) Plant proteins

Maize zein can also be used to manufacture bio-plastics.

Redesign can also occur at the level of the product. This can be with the purpose of

using less plastic material or to improve a products capacity for recycling and re-use.

In future, bio-plastics may be more widely used for general food packaging and may

also form major components in electronics housings and vehicles. Bio-plastics could

also be used in more sophisticated applications such as medicine delivery systems and

chemical microencapsulation. They may also replace petrochemical- based adhesives

and polymer coatings. However, the plastics market is complex, highly refined and

manufacturers are very selective with regard to the specific functionality and cost of

plastic resins. For bio-plastics to make market grounds they will need to be more cost

competitive and provide functional properties that manufacturers require.

3

1.2 Problem Statement/ Issues

Utilization of conventional petro-plastics leads to a lot of environmental problems

Bio-plastics are less familiar and popular among the consumer

The technology to produce bio-plastics on a large scale and have similar properties

as petro-plastics is still in its infancy

The above are some common statements made by researchers concerning bio-plastic,

which is the one of the green and sustainable alternative reducing the dependence and

consumption of petrochemical feedstock and diminishing environmental pollution. As

it is reported, in year 2009, around 230 million tonnes of plastic were produced;

around 25 per cent of these plastics were used in the EU (Mudgalet al., 2010). About

50 per cent of plastic is used for single-use disposable applications, such as

packaging, agricultural films and disposable consumer items (Hopewell et al., 2009).

Plastics consume approximately 8 per cent of world oil production: 4 per cent as raw

material for plastics and 3-4 per cent as energy for manufacture (Hopewell et al.,

2009).

Bio-plastics make up only 0.1 to 0.2 per cent of total EU plastics (Mudgalet al.,

2010). Majority of the consumers are not aware and understanding the significant of

using bio-plastics to environment issues. Although significant research and product

development has been done with biodegradable plastics, there is debate as to whether

they actually degrade in natural habitats rather than under experimental conditions,

particularly if they are present in large amounts (Song et al., 2009; Cho et al., 2011).

There is also doubt as to whether they will degrade in the marine environment where

heat and pressure conditions are significantly different (Thompson &OBrine, 2010).

Little is known about the effect of location, soil conditions and microorganisms on

biodegradation. Lacking of clear certification and label confused the publics

understanding toward biodegradable plastics.

4

Current research and development (R&D) bio-plastics industries focus on redesigning

of plastic products and the petrochemical-based is substituted by bio-based plastics to

reduce fossil fuel use. However there are limitations in term of plastic properties such

strength and durability compared to conventional plastics. Development of bio-

plastics limits to industries manufacturing, green and sustainable alternatives could be

enhanced if the public could start making their own bio-plastic at home by the means

of mixing water soluble bio-based polymer with a plasticizer, glycerol and active

agent, and, eventually, a thermal and moulding process which shapes the materials

and gives them suitable mechanical properties to be used as substitutive materials of

synthetic polymers in certain applications.

1.3 Objective of the Study

This study is designed to develop a homemade bio-plastic which is a new and

simple way of bio-plastic based materials production without undergoes complicated

industrial processes for households usage. It is also attempt to work out the formula

or recipe for homemade gelatine or starch bio-plastic products. The objective can be

further divided as follow:

i. To come out with a bio-plastic from starch

ii. To study the formulation for bio-plastics production,

iii. To examine the effect of plasticizer and how it affect the quality

iv. To determine the factor that affects the degradation of bio-plastics

products.

1.4 Significance of the Study

Development of bio-plastics is very crucial in recent years as to find out the

alternative for petrochemical plastics that are non-biodegradable and give harm to

environment. From this research, the production of bio-plastics perhaps can be the

alternative material that can be used to replace the conventional one, with the quality

5

that can be easily degradable, environmental friendly, low cost and low energy

requirement in the production. To have the potential to be commercialized, the bio-

plastics have to meet the certain quality that require the plastics to have such

properties as biodegradable, good strength and durability, water and heat resistance

and other requirement that meet commercial needs.

1.5 Scope of Study

This case study is focusing on the formulation to make homemade starch bio-plastic

products. Few numbers of experiments will be conducted to work out the formula for

the best bio-plastics that have the best quality. The ingredients are formulized based

on the required properties such as elastomeric, flexibility, strength and durability.

All the works and experiments are conducted in the Chemical Engineering

Technology Laboratory (MTKK) of Faculty of Engineering Technology (FTK)

located at the first floor of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environment

(FKAAS) building in University Tun Hussein Onn (UTHM).

6

CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

A plastic is widely used in the world. They are usually synthetic, most

commonly derived from petrochemicals, but many are partially natural. Plastic have

been known to cause a lot of environmental damage. A single plastic can take up to

1000 years to decay completely. This makes the plastic stay in environments longer,

in turn leading to great build-up on the natural landscape In other words, the more

plastic use, the greater the chances of environmental damage. One of the main

disadvantages of plastic is that they are not renewable. The reason behind this is that

they are made of petrochemicals, a non-renewable source of energy. They can be

recycled, but not as easily as paper bags. Nowadays, scientist tries to create a plastic

from biodegradable materials. This plastic is known as bioplastic. Bioplastics are

defined as biodegradable plastics whose components are derived entirely or almost

entirely from renewable raw materials. Biodegradable polymers are a form of plastic

derived from renewable biomass sources such as starch rather than fossil fuel plastics

which are derived from petroleum.

The main component of bioplastic is starch. Starches are important

constituents of paper and cardboard, binding to cellulose fibres to strengthen the final

product. They are also used for their binding properties in textiles. Surprisingly,

starches are also used in numerous construction products for their binding and

thickening properties, such as plasterboard, glues, joint compounds, paints, foams,

and ceiling coatings. Starches are important components of bioplastics. One example

already in commercial production is starch-based packing foam, which replaces

petroleum-based Styrofoam packing peanuts.

Starches have binding and stabilizing properties that make them useful in

numerous chemical products. For example, they are used in pharmaceuticals,

agrochemicals, and other products as binders, coaters, flocculants, coagulants,

7

finishing agents and stabilizers. Starches are also used as fermentation substrates for

the production of various chemicals. Products include pharmaceuticals, glucose,

biopolymers, and platform chemicals like lactic acid which are used as building

blocks in the chemicals industry.

Scientists are hard at work developing biobased, compostable plastics which

are made from renewable feedstock and can break back down into organic matter.

Whats missing is an emphasis on perennial, non-destructively harvested feedstock,

especially non-food crops. Bioplastics can be made from cellulose, starch, oils, resins,

and other plant and animalbased materials. Interestingly bioplastics are not

necessarily biodegradable, nor is their production necessarily non-toxic. Scientists are

working to emphasize non-toxic production and full compo stability and have

developed many products that meet those needs. Some compostable bioplastics are

already in the marketplace. Some are simple and based on starch are corn starch and

tapioca starch. Some longerlived bioplastics can be created by fermenting starches

and other biomaterials. These include polyhydroxyvalerate (PHBV), a rather

promising new material. Several other bioplastics are getting more attention including

some based on polymerized resins like polylactic acid-based (PLA) plastics.

Bioplastics are not just one single substance, they comprise of a whole family

of materials with differing properties and applications. According to European

Bioplastics are plastic material is defined as bioplastic if it is either bio-based,

biodegradable, or feature both properties. Bio-based mean the material or product is

derived from the biomass (plant). Biomass used for plastics stem from e.g. corn,

sugarcane, or cellulose. The biodegradation is a chemical process during which micro-

organisms that are available in the environment convert materials into natural

substances such as water, carbon dioxide and compost. The properties of

biodegradation does not depend on the resource basis of a material, but is rather

linked to its chemical structure. In other word, 100 percent fossil based plastics may

be non-biodegradable and 100 percent fossil based plastics can biodegrade. The

family of bioplastics is roughly divided into three main groups:

8

1. Bio-based or partly bio-based non-biodegradable plastic such as bio-based PE,

PP, or PET and bio-based technical performance polymer such as PTT or TPC-ET

2. Plastics that is both bio-based and biodegradable such as PLA and PHA or

PBS

3. Plastics that are based on fossil resources and are biodegradable such as

PBAT.

Bioplastics is a relatively new area of research into substances that look and act like

traditional plastics, but are made from plant materials. There are some examples of

bioplastics:

1. Polylactic acid (PLA) plastic: PLA is the most common type of bioplastic

currently available. It's made from starch and is typically found in disposable cups and

biodegradable food-service trays.

2. Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) plastic: PHAs also use starch -- usually from

corn, beet root or sugarcane. But instead of disposable food trays, it's typically used

for things like cosmetics bottles.

3. Cellulose-based plastic: This type of plastic is made from cellulose, the

primary component in plant tissue.

9

CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

Our study comprises mainly two parts. The first part is to convert soluble biopolymers

to bioplastics usingsuitable green plasticizers like glycerol and sorbitol. The second

part is the testing techniques included both physical and mechanical tests.

3.1 Materials

Tapioca starch flour, glycerine (glycerol), Sodium hydroxide NaOH, distilled water,

shellac, cooking oil and edible agar.

3.2 Apparatus

Hot plate, electronic balance, 50ml, 20ml beakers, spatula, moulding plates, oven and

100ml, 50ml, 10ml measuring cylinder, spatula, stirrer.

3.3Making Process

Bioplastics are biodegradable plastics whose components are derived from renewable

raw materials. Ingeneral, they can be prepared by the following equation:

Biopolymer(s) + plasticizer(s) + other additive(s) = BIOPLASTIC

Making bioplastics from soluble biopolymers:

Various types of bioplastics can be made using polysaccharides starch, agar or

protein gelatin. Glycerol and sorbitol are used as plasticizers. It is possible to vary

the recipe in order to produce bioplastics with slightly different properties.

10

First, a standard solution of 1% glycerol solution was made. Next, a suitable amount

of biopolymer(s)and plasticizer(s) was added according to the amount specified in the

recipe.

Then, the mixture was heated until just below boiling (95) with continuous stirring.

Heating was stopped when froth appeared and the froth was removed. Afterwards, the

mixture was allowed to cool down and transferred to a measuring cylinder. About 40-

50 ml mixture was poured on a white tile covered with plastic wrap by means of a

glass rod. The plastics was set and dried in air. It was then totally dried by an oven

before the film was taken out.

3.3.1 Procedure making the plastic film

1. Using 20ml beaker, measure 6.25g of tapioca starch flour.

2. Measure 50ml distilled water.

3. Measure 1ml glycerol.

4. Measure 10ml NaOH

5. Mix the starch, distilled water, glycerol and NaOH in 50ml beaker. Stir all the

mixture until dissolved.

6. Set up the hot plate and set the temperature to 100oC

7. Place the beaker onto the hot plate and stir continuously until the mixture

become sticky, viscous and transparent.

8. Remove the beaker from heat and pour the mixture on the moulding plate.

9. Leave the sample in the room temperature to dry.

10. Repeat the step 1 to 9 with different amount of glycerol. The ratio for the

formulation as shown in table below.

Table 1: Ratio for Bioplastics formulation

Sample Amount of the material

Starch (g) Glycerol (ml) Distilled water (ml) NaOH (ml)

A 6.25 1.0 50 10

B 6.25 1.5 50 10

11

C 6.25 2.0 50 10

D 6.25 2.5 50 10

E 6.25 2.5 50 0

3.4 Testing Techniques

3.4.1 Water Absorption ASTM D570

(Water Absorption 1 Hour/Equilibrium ASTM D570)

Scope:

Water absorption is used to determine the amount of water absorbed under specified

conditions. Factors affecting water absorption include: type of plastic, additives used,

temperature and length of exposure.

Test Procedure:

For the water absorption test, the specimens are dried in the room temperature for a

specified time and temperature and then cool. Immediately upon cooling the

specimens are weighed. The material is then emerged in water at agreed upon

conditions, often 24C room temperature for 1 hour or until equilibrium. Specimens

are removed, patted dry with a lint free cloth, and weighed.

Specimen size:

4 specimen strip with average dimension of 120mm X 15mm X 1mm (Long X Width

X Thickness) with average weight of 0.748g

Data:

Water absorption is expressed as increase in weight percent.

Percent Water Absorption = [(Wet weight - Dry weight)/ Dry weight] x 100

Wet weight is the maximum weight of water absorption.

Equipment and Material Used:

12

Mettler Balance, Steel Tray, Tap Water

3.4.2 Comparison of Bio-Plastics and Petrochemical Plastics (Ash Content and Soot)

Scope:

An Ash test is used to determine if a material is filled. The test will identify the total

filler content. It cannot identify individual percentages in multi-filled materials

without additional test procedures being performed. An ash test cannot be used to

determine the percent carbon fiber or percent carbon black since carbon burns off

during the Ash test. Also to differentiate the burning properties of bio-plastic and

petrochemical plastics.

Procedure:

An Ash test involves taking a known amount of sample, burning away the polymer in

an air atmosphere and observes the soot and the product after burning. Ash residue is

considered filler unless the residue is less than 1%. Residues of less than 1% are

typically the result of additives that did not burn off.

Data:

During the burning of the plastics, observe and recorded the differences of soot,

colour of flame, odour and any quality that result from the process. The shape and

residue of the sample after the process also need to be taken in consideration.

Specimen size:

A known sample of plastics which is from petrochemical plastics and the starch-based

plastics is used.

13

CHAPTER 4

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

4.2 Result of Testing

4.2.1 Result Water Absorption ASTM D570

Table 2: Result of Water Absorption

Time (min) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 Sample (g)

Strip A 0.762 1.164 1.209 1.268 1.268 1.163 1.141 Strip B 0.771 1.115 1.284 1.296 1.296 1.105 1.025 Strip C 0.749 1.140 1.23 1.281 1.279 1.183 1.069 Strip D 0.758 1.132 1.25 1.297 1.295 1.184 1.129

Strip Amount of the material

Starch (g) Glycerol (ml) Distilled water (ml) NaOH (ml)

A 6.25 1.0 50 10 B 6.25 1.5 50 10 C 6.25 2.0 50 10 D 6.25 2.5 50 10

14

Calculation

Percent Water Absorption = Wet weightDry weightDry weight x 100

Wet weight is the weight of the plastics at the constant reading (maximum water absorption) .From the result, the constant reading at the time of 30 and 40 minutes.

Graph 1: Graph of Weight of water absorb vs time

0.7

0.8

0.9

1

1.1

1.2

1.3

1.4

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Wei

ght (

g)

Time (min)

Graph of Weight versus Time

Strip A

Strip B

Strip C

Strip D

15

Strip A

= 1.268 0.7620.762 100 = 66.4%

Strip B

= 1.296 0.7710.771 100 = 68.09% Strip C

= 1.281 0.7490.749 100 = 71.03% Strip D

= 1.297 0.7580.758 100 = 71.11%

Graph 2: Graph of water absorption rate (%) for each plastics strip

66.4 68.09 71.03 71.11

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Wat

er A

bsor

ptio

n (%

)

Type of Strip

Graph of Water Absorption (%)

Strip A

Strip B

Strip C

Strip D

16

4.2.2 Comparison of Bio-Plastics and Petrochemical Plastics (Ash Content and Soot)

Table 3: The differences of Bioplastics and Petrochemical Plastics

Aspects Bio-Plastic Conventional Plastic

Soot Colour White Black

Smell Smell like burning of wood Pungent , Petroleum like smell

End Product of Combustion Ashes Harden black plate object

Combustion efficiency Difficult to burn Easy to catch fire

4.2.2.1 How Bio-Plastic Different from Petroleum Based Plastic?

Recent years, there are many so called biodegradable plastic used by most of the

supermarket, hypermarket and etc. As a consumer, we have to alert that no all the

biodegradable plastics are bio-plastic. Based on the research done by Naturework,

these types of plastics are known as oxo-biodegradable plastic. Oxo-biodegradable

plastic is conventional polyolefin plastic (petrochemical) to which has been added

small amounts of non-toxic metal salts. At the end of the useful life of the product

these salts catalyse the natural degradation process in the presence of oxygen to speed

up the molecular breakdown of the polyolefins. The chemical change results in a

material with a completely different molecular structure. The process continues until

it is no longer a plastic, eventually becoming available for biodegradation by micro-

organisms. Finally the material assimilates into the environment as carbon dioxide,

water and biomass.

Throughout the research and experiments done, our team have better

understanding on bio-plastic and would like to suggest an easier way to differentiate

both plastics. In the experiment, combustion of both types of plastic gives a

significant difference. From what can be observed, combustion of conventional/

petrochemical plastics resulted in black soot, dark liquid like gel (high viscosity). The

combustion last long and continue to burn even the plastic has changed its structure.

This can be explained that the petrochemical contain in the plastic sustain the

combustion. During the combustion, a strong pungent smell released which is a smell

17

of petroleum. The end product of the combustion is the dark liquid becomes harden

and forms a black plate like object. (Please Refer to Appendix Picture 1 and 3)

Whereas, the combustion of bio-plastic made by our team resulted in white

soot and does not give out any strong pungent smell. It is just smell like a burning of

wood or dried leaves. From what can be observed, the combustion of the bio-plastic

does not last long. For complete combustion of this plastic, it requires a continuous

supply of heat or fire. In another words, this bio-plastic resists combustion. The end

product of the combustion of this plastic is black ashes powder. (Please Refer to

Appendix Picture 13 and 14)

18

CHAPTER 5

CONCLUSION

5.1 Conclusion

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, economy and environment impacts. They have a biodegradation ratio close to

cellulose, with their mechanical characteristics related to traditional plastics. The

study has also found out that food packaging sector does not employ bioplastics

materials extensively because of the following reasons. The high prices involved may

reduce the market base for such products. Bioplastics may have non ideal water

characteristics, meaning that they may allow infinitesimal amounts of water to

permeate through. Research works have not been done extensively to indicate the

level of food contamination while packaged in these packages. Some food products

have chemicals that could react or interact with elements in the packaging containers

leading to contamination or formation of toxic products.It is however important to

note that bioplastics products are used in food packaging in such areas as food service

ware items. Fundamental research on the extent of interaction between bioplastics

products and food products could enhance their application in the food packaging

sector. However the previous bioplasticability wasapplied on food packaging is

limited on production thus this project are carried out to perform various production

as discussed above. In addition, this bioplasticshas accomplished several Principles of

Green Chemistry for instant, bioplastics is safer compared to petroleum based plastics

because bioplastics have been evaluated and found to reduce 30-80% of Green House

Gas Emission that one would obtain from normal plastics. They facilitate the

reduction of emission of carbon dioxide (CO2). Over the years the prices of oil has

been rising. This has been triggering plastic prices. Due to the increased concern on

the fuel shortages, products that consume less fuel in their production and use have

increasingly become of great importance in the industrial sector. Bio plastics are

19

cheaper to produce hence the need of the world to employ more resources in utilizing

these technologies. When compared to ordinary plastics, the production process of

bioplastics uses minimal fossil fuel; meaning that they are less dependent on

petroleum fuel. Bio products at the same time reduces the quantity of toxic run-off

that is generated by oil based products. Furthermore, their biodegradable

characteristic facilitates decomposition process and hence reduces on the quantity of

wastes from the society today. This means they are environmental friendly reducing

environmental pollution. This characteristic helps to make the management of waste

less time consuming and economical. They have thus been incorporated in the

production of packaging materials used in supermarkets among other sectors in the

food industry. The use of bioplastics products in industries helps to reduce exposure

of harmful elements such as trace metals. They also have a high processbility.

Bioplastics products are derived from renewable resources unlike the oil based

plastics. They also have better mechanical processes as compared to oil based plastics.

Moreover, materials used to make bioplastics are less hazardous. The crystalline

nature of starch allows it to be destroyed by heat; this means that it can be

destructurized and thus can undergo modification to help it attain properties used to

make various bioplastics products. This facilitates the production of materials that are

of high heat resistant properties, and hence used in industrial processing and

compression processes. When starch have undergone destructurization process, they

attain thermoplastic properties and are treated, if need be, as traditional plastics. Thus,

undeniable that bioplastic are very convenient to be used nowadays for various

productions.

20

5.2 Recommendations

Recommendation was made based on the inaccuracy of results obtained from the test

conducted. From the test, the plastic produced possessed several weaknesses. Some of

the weaknesses are formation of bubble, brittle plastic and faster rate of water

absorption. Recommendation was made to improve the properties of plastic produced.

1. In order to avoid bubbles in the plastic, one must stir the mixture gently

throughout the process until clear solution was obtained. Avoid using magnetic stirrer

as it will mix the solution vigorously and formed more bubble.

2. The plastic formed takes a longer time to dry. The thickness of plastic will

affect the time taken for the sample to dry. Therefore, to avoid this problem, the

recipe needs to be looked especially the amount of plasticizer used. The recipe

required using glycerine solution that is 1% glycerin (in other words: 1 part glycerin

mixed with 99 parts water). If the glycerin solution too strong (too concentrated),

then the bio plastic may end up being overly flexible, or may even stay "gooey"

without ever drying completely. So it might be worth reviewing the recipe used, or

even trying again with a lower amount of plasticizer (such as glycerin).

3. To improve the strength of bioplastic, plasticizer was added. Though glycerol

was added to increase the strength, the plastic still brittle and easily break. The degree

of stretching is low compared to fuel-based plastic. Water is known as the most

excellent plasticizers for starch but additional plasticizers were recommended to be

added so that the plastic become less brittle and more flexible.

4. During moulding process, it was difficult to spread the mixture onto the

surface of the plate. What happened is that, the mixture was placed between 2 layers

of plastic cardboard and was dried for overnight. However, it turns out that the

mixture still not dried. We recommend to spread the mixture single layer on the

cardboard. Thin layer of plastic will be produced and shorter time was needed to dry

the plastic.

21

5.3 Limitations and Solutions

Bio plastics are an increasingly well-known alternative to petroleum-based

plastics. In making of the bio plastics, there are some limitations that bring

disadvantages in the product. The bio plastic that we created is from the mixture of

starch, glycerol, distilled water and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) where we fixed the

amount of starch, glycerol and NaOH. By changing the composition of glycerol, we

found out that the least amount of it gives the lowest percentage of water absorbance.

We know that a plastic that is created must have waterproof properties so that it can

be utilized to its fullest. From the water absorbance test, our bio plastic can only

withstand a certain amount of water before it disintegrates. This is one of our

limitation and we try to overcome it by coating it with a waterproof layer such as

shellac.Furthermore, in spreading the mixture of the bio plastic, we have a hard time

trying to spread it with equal pressure to produce a perfect layer of the biodegradable

plastic. In order to achieve it, we try to apply an equal pressure by putting a load on

top of the layer. Moreover, this same problem also applies in moulding of the bio

plastic. This particular limitation is something that we cannot overcome as we do not

have the access towards the suitable equipment. Other than that, we do not manage to

know the suitable temperature in drying the mixture of the bio plastic in order for it to

become completely solid. When the bio plastic is dried, cautious measures need to be

taken in peeling off the solid bio plastic in order to avoid it from rupturing.

In terms of tensile strength, the bio plastic that we made from the mixture is

quite weak and this is due to the layer that we made which is very thin. If the layer is

much thicker, then the tensile strength of the bio plastic would be greater. Even

though the plastic is weak in strength, it is flexible which shows that it is easy to be

mould in the way we want it. Besides that, the bio plastic cannot withstand

temperature that is very high such as 140 F as it would melt. This shows that the bio

plastic can only be made for the usage and application that does not exposed the

plastic to a high temperature. Hence, most of our limitations of bio plastic can be

overcome and this proves that it can be just as good as the petroleum-based plastic.

22

REFERENCES

1. Chen, G. , & Patel, M. (2012). Plastics derived from biological sources: Present and

future: P technical and environmental review. Chemical Reviews, 112(4), 2082-2099.

2. Dr-Ing Michael Thielen. 2012. Bioplastics Basics Applications Markets. Polymedia

Publisher GmbH, First edition.

3. Reddy R.L et.al. Study of Bio-plastics As Green & Sustainable Alternative to Plastics.

International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering. Website:

www.ijetae.com (ISSN 2250-2459, ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal, Volume 3, Issue

5, May 2013)

4. Abou-Zeid, D. M., Muller, R. J. and Deckwer, W. D., Journal of Biotechnology, 86,

113 (2001).

5. Oakley P. Reducing the water absorption of thermoplastic starch processed by

extrusion. Master of Applied Science thesis. Department of Chemical Engineering

and Applied Chemistry University of Toronto. 2010

6. Farayde M.F et.al Development of flexible bioplastics from cassava starch and

glycerol using thermoplastics extrusion. University of Londrina, Brazil.

7. W Affo, N.Y Samuel et.al. Development of Cassava Bioplastics for Consumer

Packaging. African Journal. 2012

8. Testlopedia - The Plastics Testing Encyclopedia (retrieved

from http://www.intertek.com/polymers/testlopedia/ on 20 May 2014)

9. Water Absorption ASTM D570 (retrieved

from http://www.intertek.com/polymers/testlopedia/water-absorption-astm-d570/ on

20 May 2014)

10. Ash Content ASTM D2584, D5630, ISO 3451 (retrieved

from http://www.intertek.com/polymers/testlopedia/ash-content-analysis/ on 20 May

2014)

11. Bioplastics (retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bioplastic on 19 April 2014)

23

APPENDIX

MATERIAL, APPARATUS AND PROCEDURE OF BIOPLASTICS PRODUCTION

24

Figure 1: The cassava flours us as the source of starch. Figure 2: Glycerol use as the plasticizer

Figure 3: The apparatus used, beaker, measuring

cylinder, hot plate, etc.

Figure 4: The flour was weight using electronic balance.

25

Figure 5: Starch, glycerol, distilled water, NaOH was

added and stir to mix well.

Figure 6: Put the mixture on the hot plate at 100oC and continuously stir until the mixture become sticky

and transparent

Figure 7: After the mixture turn stick and transparent,

transfer the mixture into mould

Figure 8: The mixture was left to cool for days.

26

Figure 9: The BioPlastics

Figure 10: The plastics sample cut into strips and

soaked in distilled water.

Figure 11: After 10 minutes, each strip is wipe and

weighed.

Figure 12: The bioPlastics rupture after too long in

water.

27

Figure 13: Combustion of Conventional Plastics

Figure 14: Combustion of BioPlastics

Figure 15: End Product of combustion

FINAL TITTLE BIOPLASTICSFINAL TABLE BIOPLASTICSFINAL REPORT BIOPLASTICS