1

CHAPTER I

PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

There has been an increasing interest in the production of

bioplastics as the environmental pollution from conventional

plastics are increasingly evident. The bioplastic industry is being

considered in the world as the 4.0 revolution of green technology

(Rameesh et al., 2020). Plastics are used widely everywhere and

without plastic, modern civilization would indeed look very

divers, plastic have a big role in everyday life. Plastics are clearly

hazardous due to their chemical composition and the fact that

they are non-biodegradable, when thrown on land, plastics make

the soil less fertile. They could also destroy the habitats of many

species, reduce biodiversity, cause many direct impacts on

humans, and hence, is likely to result in the unsustainability of

global development. Bioplastics, new environmentally friendly

materials, are assured to be a great solution to replace

traditional plastics, thereby contributing to reducing plastic

waste pollution and protecting the living environment on earth

(Rosetto et al., 2019).

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Some studies stated that 7.8 billion tons of plastic that can

cater more than one ton of plastic for every person alive today.

Ineffectively disposed waste is that which has the intention of

being managed through waste collection or storage sites, but is

ultimately not formally or sufficiently managed. It thus seems to

include transfer in landfills or outdoor, which indicates that the

substance is not built underground and may slip away into the

surroundings. This makes it at risk of leakage and transport to

the natural environment and oceans via waterways, winds and it

Across many low-to-middle-income income countries,

inadequately disposed waste can be high across many countries

in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, between 80-90 percent of

plastic waste is inadequately disposed of, and therefore at risk of

polluting rivers and oceans. This is strongly reflected in the

global distribution of mismanaged waste and inputs from river

system (Caner, 2019).

The National Oceanic and atmospheric administration

distinguished the Philippines is belong to the five countries

where the majority of plastic materials emerged. As economy

were developing there is also an economy growth as its growth's

consumer demand for more disposable products. In other aspect

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there are different plastics in the environment in the present

time. Different plastics are used by the consumer in every item.

Polyester (PES) is used for natural fibers and textile materials,

whereas polythene terephthalate (PET) is used for soft drink

bottles, snack jars, bubble wrap, and ready - to - cook packaging

(PET) high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is used for detergent

bottles, milk jugs, and molded plastic cases (Thakur, 2018).

Data from the 2015 study shows that the Philippines waste

6,237,653 kg (6875.84 tons) of plastic per day, of which 81% is

mismanaged. Despite the grim assessment, the UN report

commended that local ban on plastics enforced in certain areas.

In the case of the Philippines, certain cities have said no to

plastic like Makati, Quezon City, Pasig, Muntinlipa, Las Piñas, and

Pasay.

Bioplastics produce remarkably less greenhouse gas

(carbon dioxide) emissions than traditional oil-based plastics

over their lifetime (Krein, 2019). Since the plants that biobased

plastics are made from absorbed that same amount of

greenhouse gas as they grew, there is no net increment in this

gas. With such advantages, bioplastics have been studied a lot in

the world, especially the production of bioplastics from starch.

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Some studies used rice starch and some plasticizers such as

glycerol, sorbitol, and formamide to produce bioplastics.

Researchers chose rice starch for it contains a high amount of

amylose, about 30%, which is suitable for coating materials

(Gondolfi et al., 2019).

Objectives of the Study

The general objective of this study will be utilization of

Squash (Cucurbita Maxima Duchesne) Seeds as an additive on

making starch based in bio-plastic. Specifically, this study aims

to:

1. Determine the best treatment in the bio plastic

product in terms of:

1.1 Tensile test

1.2 Water Immersion test

1.3 Organic Solvent test

1.4 Immersion test

1.5 Density test

2. Determine the significant difference in the bio plastic

produce and the commercial ones in terms of:

2.1 Tensile test

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2.2 Water Immersion test

2.3 Organic Solvent test

2.4 Immersion test

2.5 Density test

Significance of the Study

This study findings may be relevant in the following ways:

The determination of squash seeds as source of starch for

alternative bio-plastic would in one way or another help tackle

the growing problem of the plastic in the world nowadays. This

could also minimize, if not eradicate the growing numbers of

plastic in the Philippines, if proven to be effective. And will help

enlighten the Department of Environment and Natural Resources

(DENR) on the need to preserve and conserve the environment

by using squash seeds as an alternative source for bio-plastic.

This will be also be beneficial to all sectors of the community.

First, the success of this experiment could give baseline

information to the City Environment and Natural Resources

Office (CENRO) in managing and controlling the increasing

amount of solid waste with this alternative method. Second, the

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study will serve as an instrument to solve the problem on solid

wastes management in Davao del Sur State College (DSSC), if

proven to be effective. Hence it would make the school less

contributor to the large residual waste in Davao del Sur. And

lastly, this experiment will provide information in the community

in making squash seeds as an additive on making starch for

alternative bio-plastic to enable people to use abundance in the

locality.

Scope and the Limitation of the Study

This study only focusses on the utilization of Squash seeds

as an additive on making starch–based bio–plastic and to

determine the potential of Squash seeds as the alternative

additives for making bio-plastic and to test the product

compared to the plastic products from commercial one. This

study limit to the use of only the squash seeds that can be found

in the research locale.

In the process of making the bio plastic the researcher will

not use highly modernized procedure in making the starch based

in bio-plastic and chemicals commonly used to utilized in modern

plastic country.

Definition of Terms
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Squash Seeds refers to the seeds of Squash that will be used in

the study as the source of starch in making bio-plastic.

Starch refers to starch that will be extracted from the squash

seeds.

Bio-plastic refers to the product that will be produced from this

study using the starch from the squash seed as substitute for

common starch.

Polythene terephthalate refers to a durable and flexible

plastic widely used for beverages and food wrapping, especially

convenience-sized beverages, juice drinks, and water.

Plasticizer refers to a substance that is combined to elastic

bands and polymers to strengthen their versatility.

Density refers to the material that is measured of how tightly it

is grouped around each other.

Polyester refers to a group of polymers mainly composed of

sequences of an organic compound and used primarily in the

production of natural fibers or plastic products.

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CHAPTER II

RIVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter contains the review of related literature of the study.

The topic below contains the literatures of bio plastic, Philippine squash

seed composition, and chicken eggshell composition

Bio plastic

Bio plastics can be defined as plastics made of biomass it

is a biodegradable plastic that is made or derived from biological

materials, bio plastics could be really good for our environment

because in manufacturing process it produces fewer greenhouse-

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gas emissions than that for petroleum-based plastics (Shettar,

2017)

Biodegradable plastics offer innovative solutions to

improve recycling quality by facilitating the means for more

efficient separate waste collection. Starch-based plastics are an

important class of bio plastics used to make biodegradable

products, biodegradability can contribute to alleviating the waste

problem of our current society. Nowadays the production and

consumption of plastics are the most common problem in the

world, due to their non-biodegradability, environmentalists are

campaigning against to the production of plastics in order to help

them we make this study to resolve problems about plastics and

to make a biodegradable one (Zifu, 2017).

Bio plastic is also a moldable plastic material that are

made up of chemical compounds that are coming from or

synthesized by microbes or by genetically modified plants.

Compared to plastics, which are obtained from renewable

resources, and they are biodegradable. The first known bio

plastic is polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) it comes from work with the

bacterium Bacillus megatrium. In previous years, biodegradable

packaging material development from renewable natural

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resources have received increasing attention particularly in EU

countries (Munari, 2016).

Therefore, biodegradable polymers can make significant

contributions to material recovery and reduction of landfill and

utilization of renewable resources. Plastic products and their

residues waste our population centers, coastlines, and lakes and

rivers, that lead to human and animal health problems. Today as

the world’s population becomes bigger and continues to grow, so

the amount of garbage that people produce. As plastic is

composed of major toxic pollutants, it has the potential to cause

great harm to the environment in the form of air, water, and land

pollution (Stenzel, 2018).

Biomass is made up of vegetation, plants, crops, and other

organic materials that decay as a result of microbes. It really has

changed the focus of plastic producers against bio plastics that

come from renewable sources. compared to oil products and

hydrocarbon raw materials, the natural resources used in the

manufacturing of bio-plastics are recyclable in origin and easily

available globally. A world economic latest research on food

manufacturing preferences done in 2015 revealed that more

than 25% of consumers thought food packaging vendors should

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focus more on the development of environmentally friendly

marketing materials. Bioplastics reduce and many are consumed

into the environment again. Government measures toward

purchasing sustainable and eco-friendly products are another

factor driving the market for bio plastics (Haldar, 2012).

Furthermore, bio plastics have different kinds of benefits

that can give to the environment than the traditional plastics.

Traditional plastics production relies heavily on the use of fossil

fuels during the manufacturing process, which essentially adds

to environmental pollution, while biodegradable plastics do not

rely on the same method of production, therefore producing

fewer greenhouse gases and emissions. In addition to that, bio

plastics do not contain chemicals and other harmful additives

that can be released during the breakdown process. It is also

beneficial because as it breaks down into the earth, it is not

releasing harmful chemicals into the ecosystem (Vieira et al.,

2011).

According to Lubis et al. (2019), one of the main

components of bio plastic is starch; it is widely used in the form

of biodegradable films in varied applications for it is a renewable,

abundant, and inexpensive material. In their study jackfruit seed

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was used because it can be a raw material for bio plastics

because it contains starch which can be a starch-based bio

plastic. The chemical properties of starch derived from jackfruit

seeds was then defined.

In Indonesia, mango production is inconsistent but tends to

be high every year. There are still many mango seed that are

just left alone, so it only becomes a waste that pollutes to

environment. The seed contains macromolecule reserves in large

quantities and distinctive and has a starch content that can be

utilized as and is not a substitute for essential food. As addition

mango seeds have a high enough starch content that potentially

as an alternative substitute material in the manufacture of bio

plastics (Mattoso, 2016).

Production of bio plastic from avocado seed starch

reinforced with micro crystalline cellulose from sugar palm fibers,

was conducted by the researcher of Engineering Science and

Technology, which content that the influence of micro crystalline

cellulose derived from sugar palm fibers and glycerol on the

mechanical properties of bio plastics from avocado seed starch

was studied and it has been qualified by presenting the bio

plastic product of their experimentation (Tuhin, 2014).

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Bio plastic from Chitosan and Yellow Pumpkin Starch with

Castor oil as Plasticizer, is a study from Materials Science

Engineering, this study determined the characteristics of the

effect of chitosan and starch composition of pumpkins against

solvent absorption, tensile strength and biodegradable. The first

stage of the study was making of bio plastics by blending yellow

pumpkin starch, chitosan and castor oil. Further it tested the

adsorption capacity of the solvent, tensile strength test, and

biodegradable analysis, after some test that was conducted,

they’ve concluded that the more chitosan content the higher the

value of tensile strength test was obtained, while the fastest bio

degradation rate occurred in the composition of yellow pumpkin

starch and chitosan it will become balanced (Haldar, 2012).

According to studies, durian fruit have some repulsed by its

foul smell and yet has others still utterly obsessed with its rich

and creamy taste that no other fruits can rival. In Yogyakarta

there are five students who studied or have found that aside

from polarized preferences of durian it have another beneficial

use, they found a way of creating a biodegradable plastic from

durian seeds (Argo, 2015). The seed of durian that most people

just throw away upon indulging on its flesh are found to be the
 14

perfect ingredients to create a more environmentally friendly

plastic. It’s even better than cassava which is commonly used in

creating bio plastics (Aditya et al., 2014).

Many people tackle about different problems in garbage

disposal, some people believe that in order to resolve these

problems is to use bio plastics or biodegradable plastics as an

environmentally-friendly solution for things that are common

waste in the world such as plastic bags. Biodegradable plastics

are exciting and useful materials, but they should not only be

used when they have a concrete benefit for a specific product. In

General Santos City, the local government has granted the

request of business leaders here to extend or delay further full

implementation of the plastic bags and Styrofoam use ordinance.

The local law bans the use of plastic bags and Styrofoam

package containers by city establishments, in line with the

request of approval, the city government has also allowed the

continued use of biodegradable plastics in stores and malls

before resorting to use of paper bags. In addition, it is a great

help to make a study of different variable that can be able to use

in making bioplastics (Tehrani, 2013).

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This study will contribute in resolving the waste problems

in our country. Over the past 20 years, more and more emphasis

has been placed on living green and being environmentally

conscious in the creation of industrial products and solutions.

Throughout this time there have been many different attempts

aimed at creating environmentally friendly plastic product.

Just like any other plastic, bio plastic is also in need of

additives to address constitutional weakness in its physical

properties. Most of its weaknesses usually stand out on this day

generation. The impact strength is limited and also in the heat

resistance part. So, the search for additives starts. Polylactic acid

(PLA) is quite known in this area by Nature Works. Aside from

that, there are also other class of biomaterials derived from

starch such as Novamont’s Mater-bi and resins from Plantic

Australia. Also, there are thermoplastic starches available in

variety of blends (Naoe, 2014).

Furthermore, there is a big challenge for additive suppliers

of having a hard time obtaining more than a few grams of bio

polymers to experiment it with. On the other hand, you have bio

polymers like PLA and PHA and also starch based resin where

you will have biodegradable but not bio derived like Eco flex,
 16

which is blended to enhance processing and properties. Additives

are being investigated in three levels. Renewable additives,

traditional additives and additives that are both renewable and

traditional in property (Enhancing Biopolymers: additives that are

needed for toughness). The use of plastic components based on

renewable materials is in fact seen as one of the ways to move

forward in the industry of plastic. As a matter of fact, these bio

plastics are far more than superior to the regular ones. The

growing economy of bio plastic application, considering that

there is a continuously rising expectations based on its quality

and characteristics in processing.

The natural raw materials contain a large proportion. With

the cooperation of Te, Henkel a specialist in the field of

biopolymer and compounder has developed a new polyimide

additive that can boost the performance of bio plastic. This has

become possible with the help of fatty acids based on natural oils

such as rapeseed and tall oil. Including the general increase in

proportion of bio sourced elements, there is also a positive

impact on the performance profile due to the new additives. Its

impact resistance and adhesion that is fiber-matrix are so much

developed by this additive. As Henekel developed Macromelt

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Polyamide technology further he is also helping to improve the

durability and usability of bio plastics. Aboform, Arboblend,

Arbofill, and Arboflex are material family manufactured by by

one of the leading companies in the biopolymer sector (Tehrani,

2013).

Manufacturing bioplastics usually requires different

varieties of additives for different purposes. For coloring the

additive used is masterbatches, to stabilize the emulsion of

polymers; surfacants are used, others could modify molecular

weights; polymerization, plasticizer to increase the flexibility

levels, lubricant to diminish frictional forces and to improve

process ability, stabilizers to prevent polymer dilapidation,

crosslinkers and light stabilizers to amend polymer complexes

are employed profoundly. Arkema incorporated has already

selected the division of bioplastic the Teknor apex company as a

supplier of masterbatches due to the company’s biostrength.

Arkema’s biostrength additive product line is currently including

a clear impact modifier.An impact modifier is for injection

molding applications; a strength enhancer in improving the

process ability of foams, films, fibers and thin sheet extrusion

and theroforming. Laso a metal release agent that gradually

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reducing the sticking on the molding equipment (Polymers/

Green/ Polymer Additives/ Emery Oleochemicals) (Maulida et al.,

2016).

Philippine Squash Seed

Philippine squash can also be called as “Kalabasa” it is the

Philippine word for squash or sometimes it is used to refer to

both summer and winter squash (Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita

pepo, Cucurbita moschata). These plants produce long vines that

range in length from 3 feet to 15 feet or more, depending on the

variety and growing conditions (Richford, 2019). The higher

moisture and carbohydrate contents were established in the pulp

with 85.34% and 81.45%, and the peel with 81.06% and 79.23%,

on the other aspect the seeds had higher amounts of oils and

proteins with 25.70% and 52.6% which can be used for protein-

based bio plastic. These plants can be classified also as

vegetable and it is very common in the Philippines especially in

the markets all over the country. The seeds of this plant are

commonly known as edible so it can be a snack food in several

cultures and also the seed oil has culinary and pharmaceutical

uses (Zapateiro, 2015). The difference of summer and winter

 19

squash is their harvest time and the period of growing gives a

winter squash a tougher inedible skin while summer squash can

be harvested earlier when their skin is still soft and edible, in the

Philippines the winter squash is for the rainy season perhaps

summer squash is for dry season.

Squash seeds emerge in 5-10 days, it also has anti

parasitic properties, and the seeds and oil extracted from seeds

have a history of use in botanical and folk medicine. Moschata

which is the species of Philippine squash is represented by such

varieties as Cushaw and Winter Crookneck Squashes, and

Japanese Pie. The squash of the West Indies and the forms grown

by the natives of Mexico and Central America are not uniform,

pure varieties such as we grow, but are extremely variable as to

size, shape, color, and quality. Squash was used in this study

because it is often in our locality, squash seeds are waste that

can be used as additive for making bio plastic aside from that, it

can also help to the environment in a way of reducing waste

materials (Kaur, 2019).

Chicken Eggshell

Eggs were consumed by humans even for a thousand of

years ago. It is usually laid by female animas of different species

 20

like birds, reptiles, fishes, amphibians and even mammals. Both

reptile and bird eggs contain a calcium-based shell that protects

the yolk (entellus) and the egg white (albumen) that is contained

in thin semipermeable membrane. One of the most consumed

types of egg is the chicken egg that is laid by hens. As a result of

continuously consuming eggs throughout the years we are also

wasting enough eggshells that are revolutionary in creating a

plastic that can be degradable. Also, eggshells are one of the

most disregarded household wastes from all over the country’s

household for eggs are already part of our daily lives due to its

benefits. Vitamins A, B12, B5 and B2 are present in just a single

large hardboiled egg. Hence chicken eggshells are mainly

composed of magnesium (375mg), iron (0.5mg) and calcium

carbonate (CaCO3) which is a natural compound that decays

easily. It is also porous and lightweight that is also a factor on

why eggshells can be biodegradable aside from its calcium

composition. As a matter of fact, a single decalcified eggshell

and its outer shell membrane is consisting of 16.07 ± 1.43 and

0.31 ± 0.05% of ash as the inner shell membrane has an

undetectable amount of ash (Ikawa et al., 2013).

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Conceptual Framework

Independent Variable Dependent Variable

 Tensile Strength
 Water Immersion
Squash (Cucurbita  Organic Solvent test
maxima Duchesne) Dried  Immersion test
Seed  Density test

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework of the study.

Hypotheses

There is no significant difference in the bio plastic produce

and the commercial ones in terms of:

 Tensile test

 Water Immersion test

 Organic Solvent test

 Immersion test

 Density test
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CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

Research Locale

The sample squash seeds and eggshell will be used in the

study, will be both obtained as household waste in Lim

extension, Barangay San Miguel, Digos City Davao del Sur (The

plasticizer (Gylcerol) was obtained in the nearest pharmacy).

The Procedures

The following are the step-by-step process in making the

different concentration of Butternut squash seeds and eggshell

as an alternative source for starch in making bioplastic.

Preparation of Butternut squash seeds

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Butternut squash and eggs (100 grams) will be obtained

from the household wastes was washed with clean water. After

washing the seeds, it will be then oven dried for three (3)

consecutive days before subjecting to grinding process.

Preparation of Eggshells

After the collecting of eggshells in the different houses of

researchers, the eggshells will be washed and let sit for air

drying. It will be then pulverized using a mortar and a pestle then

it will be sifted to further achieve its powdered form.

Mixing Process

In a beaker, a solution of 0, 2, 4 and 6 percent of wt/wt

eggshells to squash seeds which will be prepared with 20 ml

vinegar, 200 ml water and 200 ml glycerol with concentration

varied from 20, 30, 40 percent. The mixture is heated to boil

until gelatinized.

Bio plastic Molding

The gelatinized solution will be casted into the petri dishes

and let it dry in 150 degrees Celsius with 3 minutes preheat and

10 minutes of completely drying sample.

Test parameters
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In this phase the following test parameters will be used in

the study in order to answer the statement of the problem:

Tensile test

Tensile test will be used to find out how strong a bioplastic

is and also how much it can be stretched before it breaks. It will

be carried out with the test object drawn from two directions so

that the length increases and the diameter shrink. The amount of

load and length increase is recorded during the test.

Water uptake

Flow rate will be examined by slicing a 2x2 cm piece of film

and measuring the mass. For 24 hours, the film will be placed in

a container filled with distilled water. After immersion in water,

the wet weight will be calculated by removing the film from the

water and weighing it. The following is how water uptake will be

calculated.

Acid immersion test

In determining the effects of strong acid, the film will be

immersed in a concentrated hydrochloric acid for 30 minutes.

Changes in appearance, size, weight and color will be observed

and recorded.

Organic solvent test

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Acid immersion will be investigated through in an ethanol

for 48 hours. Changes in appearance, size, weight and color will

be observed and recorded.

Statistical Tools

The following statistical tools will be used in interpreting

the descriptive data and answering of hypothetical questions:

Relative Frequency

It will be used to determine the proportion of times a value

appears in a data set. The first hypothesis will be responded

using this kind of analysis tool.

Mean and Standard Deviation

The first hypothesis will be responded using this kind of

analysis tool. This will be used to describe the average obtained

in each. It is the dispersion between each quantity and means

which is how the set of data spreads out from the mean.

Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)

At the 0.05 level of confidence, this statistical tool will be

used to calculate the significance of the data.

 26

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