REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

REGION 1

DIVISION OF PANGASINAN 11

MANAOAG NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Manaoag, Pangasinan

The Effectiveness of Saba Banana (Musa acuminata Balbisiana) peel as a Bioplastic

Mikko G. Bautista

Chen Nicole M. Laureta

Allen Glenn C. Lagado

Neil Jemson C. Mendoza

Researchers

John Cezar Bragasin

Research Adviser

Manaoag National High School

Manaoag, Pangasinan

2019 - 2020
 Chapter 1

Introduction

I. Background of the study

Plastics are carbon-based polymers derived mostly from petroleum. These plastics are

commonly used in product- packaging in most markets in the country. They are water-

proof and easy to use. However, there are problems attached in using plastics. Getting rid

of the said plastics is extremely difficult. Based from Columbia University, the world has

produced over nine billion tons of plastic since the 1950s. 165 million tons of it have

trashed our ocean, with almost 9 million more tons entering the oceans each year.

Based from the study led by the University of Georgia (2012), the Philippines have

dumped 1 billion tons of plastics in the ocean in 2010. On the other hand, the country’s

population is enormously fast-growing compared to other countries in Asia. This huge

population results to the production of tons of plastics every year. These plastics will take

years before they completely decompose. Due to the longtime of decomposition, the

disposals of the said plastics have been one of the biggest problems of the country.

Sleight (2011) states that plastic used as detergent containers, shampoo and

conditioner bottles, and other non-food containers decompose for an estimated of 100

years and plastic bags that are made of cans are approximately 1000 years to decay.

Soffar (2015) also states that once they are burned or exposed to heat, they emit toxic
chemicals such as dioxins which may harm the environment and organisms especially

humans.

Goodall (2011) added that bio plastics are plastics that are derived from renewable

resources or biodegradable or both. These are plastics that are derived from vegetable oil,

corn starch, plant cellulose, and/or bacteria.

Based from the study of Woodford (2019), the bio plastic is better and effective when

it is easy to dissolve in water and decomposed. Woodford (2019) also added that bio

plastics are moldable plastic that are made up of chemical compounds that are derived

from microbes such as bacteria or plants, bio plastics are biodegradable.

In the study led by Columbia University (2017), there are two main types of

bioplastics. PLA (polyactic acid) is typically made from the sugars in corn starch, cassava

or sugarcane. It is biodegradable, carbon-neutral and edible. PHA

(polyhydroxyalkanoate) is made by microorganisms, sometimes genetically engineered,

that produce plastic from organic materials. Bioplastics do produce significantly fewer

greenhouse gas emissions than traditional plastics over their lifetime. There is no net

increase in carbon dioxide when they break down because the plants that bioplastics are

made from absorbed that same amount of carbon dioxide as they grew.

Judith L. Fridovich-Keil states that the first known bioplastic, polyhydroxybutyrate

(PHB), was discovered in 1926 by a French researcher, Maurice Lemoigne, from his

work with the bacterium Bacillus megaterium. It was then followed in the 1990s by

bioplastics which are well-known today, PLA, PHAs or even plasticized starches which
benefited from the rapid technical advances in green chemistry and white chemistry in

recovery of biomass (starches, sugars, cellulose, etc.).

A 23-year old Denxybel Montinola, who recently graduated from the University of

San Carlos in the Philippines has just invented an ingenious water-soluble plastic that

could be the solution for food waste and the global plastic pollution problem. Using

mangoes and seaweed, which are locally abundant ingredients, Montinola has created a

new blend of bioplastic. (Ho,2019). Philippines Largest Company, San Miguel, Goes For

Bioplastics Packaging. (Barett, 2019).

Biodegradable plastics take three to six months to decompose fully states by Jack

Serle. Bioplastics made of cornstarch and other plant-based materials are a better bet.

They give off CO2 as they decompose, but they’re merely expelling carbon locked in by

the plant matter that originally formed them. The net effect on the environment is

therefore close to zero. Bioplastics do produce significantly fewer greenhouse gas

emissions than traditional plastics over their lifetime. There is no net increase in carbon

dioxide when they break down because the plants that bioplastics are made from

absorbed that same amount of carbon dioxide as they grew. (Renee Cho, 2017)

As reported by PB works (2011), Saba bananas are very much abundant in the

Philippines because of its favorable climate. About 3.5 metric tons of bananas are being

produce each year and Philippines is the 5th largest exporter of bananas. However,

382,491 kilograms of banana waste are also being produce each year.

As stated by Songklanakarin Journal of Science and Technology, the banana fruit’s

peel is a waste material rich of starch. Banana contains high levels of calcium,
phosphorous and carbohydrate. However, starch is considered to be the major constituent

in green unripe banana. The starch has a long chain of covalently bonded glucose

molecules. Starch can be used to reduce the carbon footprint of traditional resins because

they can replace petroleum-based polymers with natural ones. It is also highly

degradable, meaning it can be used alongside a compostable polymer without interfering

with the degradation process.

Starch-based biodegradable plastics are water-sensitive, have high water vapor

permeability and generally provide films with mechanical properties unsuitable for many

applications, which has hindered the expansion of their use and justifies the need to make

modifications to improve their properties (Mbey et al. 2012). Biodegradable plastic

properties can be improved mainly by using mixtures of starch with other synthetic

polymers (Chen et al. 2014) and chemical and physical modifications (Zavareze et al.

2012; Singh and Nath 2013).

Moreover, starch is a natural biopolymer consisting predominantly of two polymer

types of glucose namely amylose and amylopectin. Amylose is essentially a linear

polymer of glucose linked together by α-1,4 bonds while amylopectin is a branched

polymer consisting of both α-1,4 and α-1,6, glyosidic linkages, with the latter found at

branch points. The amylose/amylopectin ratio, which is a function of the starch source, is

significant as it affects some physicochemical properties of starch and in turn, influences

its functionality and eventual applications. The advantages of starch for plastic

production include its biodegradability, renewability, good oxygen barrier in the dry

state, abundance and low cost.

II. Statement of the Problem

This study is aimed to determine the effectiveness of banana peel as a bioplastic.

Specifically, this study sought to answer the following questions:

1. Is there difference between Saba banana bioplastic and commercial platics in

terms of:

a) Quality of plastic produced (e.g elasticity, durability)

b) Biodegradability of plastic

c) Resistance to high temperature and water

2. What is the acceptability of Saba banana (Musa acuminate Balbisiana) peel as a

bioplastic in terms of:

a) Quality of plastic produced (e.g elasticity, durability)

b) Biodegradability of plastic

c) Resistance to high temperature and water

3. What are the conditions which can affect the decomposition process of banana

peel bioplastic?

III. Hypothesis

Null

1. The Saba banana bioplastic and commercial plastic don’t have difference in terms

of:

a) Quality of plastic produced (e.g elasticity, durability)

b) Biodegradability of plastic

c) Resistance to High temperature and water

2. The Saba banana (Musa acuminata Balbisiana) peel is not acceptable in terms of:
 a) Quality of plastic produced (e.g elasticity, durability)

b) Biodegradability of plastic

c) Resistance to high temperature and water

3. There are no conditions which can affect the decomposition process of Saba

banana bioplastic.

IV. Significance of the study

Plastics have vast applications in all walks of life. They are used from

manufacturing of packaging items, furniture, and fabrics to medical equipment and

construction articles. However, as a petroleum by-product, plastics contribute to oil

dependency, and in the present times it is generally recognized that oil will not be

available indefinitely. This points to a possible raw material crisis in the future.

The objective of this study was to produce biodegradable plastic specifically

plastic sheets from banana peels as a substitute for the conventional plastic and to prove

that the starch in the banana peel could be used in the production of the biodegradable

plastic. This project aims to present a workable substitute to replace petroleum-based

plastic, while providing all the usable attributes of it minus the negative, non-ecofriendly

toxic behavior of it. Banana peels contain starch and its ability to conform into a polymer

was exploited to manifest a biodegradable form of plastic. The degradation of this plastic

was tested to judge its nature-friendliness and it can be safely said that it does not leave

traces behind after a reasonable amount of time.

Through this study, instead of contributing waste, it will be more useful and efficient

and when in decomposition process, it will contribute least carbon dioxide. This study
will inform the community that some waste like banana peel is useful. The community

can help to minimize the pollution and can help our environment. The idea from this

study can help create jobs to have income for their family. The one that can really benefit

from this study are those companies that the main ingredient of their products is banana.

When they use the banana fruit, they always throw away the banana peels. Now they can

make bio-plastic products out of it. With greater development, the companies can

improve the bio-plastics to produce more durable bio-plastics from banana peels.

V. Scopes and limitations

This study only focused on the production of biodegradable plastics, specifically

sheet of plastics from banana peels. This study will not be dealing with the production of

biodegradable plastics of commercial standards or plastics that are intended to be sold

commercially. The researchers are only concerned whether the banana peel can be used

to produce a biodegradable plastic.

VI. Definition of terms

Banana - an edible fruit – botanically a berry – produced by several kinds of large

herbaceous flowering plants in the genus Musa. In some countries, bananas used for

cooking may be called "plantains", distinguishing them from dessert bananas.

Starch - starch or amylum is a polymeric carbohydrate consisting of numerous glucose

units joined by glycosidic bonds. This polysaccharide is produced by most green plants as

energy storage.
Plastic - is material consisting of any of a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic

organic comp are plastic materials produced from renewable biomass sources, such as

vegetable fats and oils, corn starch, straw, woodchips, sawdust, recycled food waste, etc.

Bioplastic can be made from agricultural by-products and also from used plastic bottles

and other containers using microorganisms. ounds that are malleable and so can be

molded into solid objects.

Bioplastic - are plastic materials produced from renewable biomass sources, such as

vegetable fats and oils, corn starch, straw, woodchips, sawdust, recycled food waste, etc.

Bioplastic can be made from agricultural by-products and also from used plastic bottles

and other containers using microorganisms.

Biodegradable - substance or object capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other

living organisms.

Glucose - a simple sugar with the molecular formula C6H12O6. Glucose is the most

abundant monosaccharide, a subcategory of carbohydrates.

Polymer - a large molecule, or macromolecule, composed of many repeated subunits.

Due to their broad range of properties, both synthetic and natural polymers play essential

and ubiquitous roles in everyday life.

Polylactic acid - is a thermoplastic aliphatic polyester derived from renewable

resources, such as corn starch (in the United States), tapioca roots, chips or starch (mostly

in Asia), or sugarcane (in the rest of the world).

Polyhydroxyalkanoate - or PHAs are polyesters produced in nature by numerous

microorganisms, including through bacterial fermentation of sugars or lipids.

Chapter 2

Methodology

Research Design

This study used experimental method; specifically single group design in which

group of subjects are administered to a single treatment. The independent variable will

be the amount banana peels and other chemicals used and the dependent variable will be

the quality of bioplastic produced. This study will also use descriptive design involving a

survey questionnaire. It is proposed that this survey will collect details regarding the

quality, carbon dioxide emission and resistance to high temperature and water of banana

peels as bioplastic.

Materials and Procedure

For the preparation of the banana peels, these steps of procedures should be

followed. First, the peels will be removed from the fruit by bare hands. Then, the peels

will be washed over running tap water just to make sure that there will be no bacteria or

other chemical or substances will interfere the experimentation’s result nor affect it.
Afterwards, the banana peels will be cut into small pieces using a knife. Then, a 500 ml

beaker will be filled with distilled water that later on be mixed with 0.5% or 5ml of

Na2S2O5. This is where the peels will be soaked. Afterwards, the peels will be strained

using a funnel from the solution and transferred to a beaker filled with 375ml water and

will be placed over a double burner on low heat and let it boil for 30 minutes. After the

boiling process, the aluminum casserole will be removed from the burner and peels will

be strained and separated from the solution. The peels will be placed on a cool, dry place

and will be covered with gauze pad and left for 30 minutes to dry. After the peels have

dried, it will be placed in a clean 500 ml beaker and will be pureed to form a fluid paste.

For the production of plastic, the following procedure must be applied. To start

off, 25 grams of banana peels paste will be weight on electronic balance. Afterwards, the

25 grams of banana peels paste will be placed on a 140 ml beaker and will be mixed with

3 ml of HCl. It will be hand stirred using glass stirring rod for it to be smoothly blended.

The hydrochloric acids will be used to break down the starch into much smaller pieces.

2ml of glycerin will be added with the banana peels paste and will serve as the plasticizer

of the product. It will bind the paste because it has plastic structure. The mixture will be

once stirred again. Then the mixture will be added with 3ml of NaOH and will be hand

stirred again. The sodium hydroxide acts as a base to balance the starch that will be

broken down. All the components should be mix together so mix the mixture with hand

blender. The mixture will be poured onto an oven tray and will be put inside an oven at a

temperature of 130°C and will be baked for an hour.

All the measurements made will be made as accurately as possible. Surgical

gloves and face masks will be worn throughout the experiment for safety precautions.
These instruments will be needed for the completion of the experimentation: glass

pipette, electronic balance, beakers, alcohol burner, and glass stirring rod, oven, oven

tray, gauze pad, hand mixer and blender.

The plastic’s elasticity and durability will be calculated and determined by using

the Universal Testing Machine (UTM). The said instrument had the test speed of

75mm/min. the plastic will undergo the strength test because of its ability to determine its

tensile strength. The plastic’s resistance to heat will be calculated and measured by

putting he bioplastic and commercial plastic (white horse) into an oven with 100°C as its

starting temperature for about 30 minutes. The process will be repeatedly done by

increasing the temperature. For the water resistance, the researchers will put the

bioplastic and commercial plastic (white horse) onto 500 ml of water for about 1 hour.

Lastly for the biodegradability testing of the plastics, the researchers will use ASTM

D6400. ASTM 6400 provides for composting conditions as a means to assess

biodegradation of finished materials and raw materials or ingredients.

Flowchart of the Study

Preparation of Banana Peels

 Then, the peels will be
First, the peels will be
washed over running tap
removed from the fruit
water until all the dirt are
using barehands.
removed.

A 500 ml beaker will be

filled with 375 ml of
The peels will be cut into distilled water that has 5
small pieces using a knife. ml of Na2S2O5. This is
where the banana peels
will be soaked.

The peels will be strained

from the solution and The Saba Bananas will be
transfered to a 500 ml placed in the aluminum
beaker filled with 375ml casserole and wait for 30
water and will be placed minutes until it is boiled.
over a double burner.

After the boiling proceess, It will be placed on a safe

the water will be and dry place and will be
separated from the peels. with dry gauze pad.

With the use of a hand

After the peels have dried,
blender, the pills will be
it will be placed in a clean
pureed until a fluid paste
500 ml beaker.
will form.

Making of Bioplastics
 Pour the mixture onto an oven tray
To start off, 25 grams of banana
and put it inside the oven with
paste will be weighed on a
tempreture of 130°C. Bake for an
electronic balance.
hour

The banana paste will be placed on

Add 3 ml of NaOH and will be
a 140 ml beaker and will be mixed
hand stirred again.
with 3ml of HCl.

2ml of glycerin will be added to The mixture will be mixed using a

the beaker. glass stirring rod.

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