UNIVERSITY OF CAGAYAN VALLEY

School of Liberal Arts and Teacher Education

CHAPTER I

The Problem and Its Background

Introduction

Bakelite's discovery in 1907 ushered in a material

revolution by bringing fully synthetic plastics into the

marketplace. Wide synthetic resin and plastic plants have

been built in response to modern demand. A synthetic resin

is a raw material that can be created by polymerization,

condensation, or a combination of chemical reactions. It's

possible that the resin is a rubber or that it'll be

plasticized. Thermosetting refers to plastics that cannot be

remelted after they have been molded and set, while

Thermoplastic refers to plastics that can be remelted and

reformed.

When phenol and formaldehyde are combined under

unregulated conditions, a very hard substance can be

produced that can be ground into a powdery resin. If the

substance is polymerized to a lesser extent or contains so

much phenol, it may be cast as plastic. A plastic product is

produced by heating the powdery resin with a small

percentage of a plasticizing agent, such as dibutyl

phthalate. Bakelite is a polymerized phenolformaldehyde

substance that is transformed into a plastic.

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School of Liberal Arts and Teacher Education

Plastics demand exploded across the world as they

became the main container for the products we eat. When the

issue of waste management and disposal became widespread,

plastics were blamed for the majority of it. The explanation

for this is that polymers are the main components of these

plastics. Polymers will last for a long time without losing

their value. This was included in the manufacture of

synthetic plastics to combat natural degradation and meet

market demands. These synthetic plastics are also

nonbiodegradable and appear to remain in nature. Plastics,

on the other hand, were discovered to be persistent

polluters in several environmental niches at the end of the

twentieth century, from the top of the highest mountain to

the deepest depths of the ocean. Since the remains of these

plastics are mistakenly eaten by animals, cause floods in

low-lying areas by clogging drainage systems, or simply

cause serious blight, synthetic plastics are now considered

a large-scale pollutant in the twenty-first century. Many

forms of waste take too long to decompose, like plastic

waste. In landfills, plastic products usually take up to

1,000 years to decompose. And everyday plastic bags can take

anywhere from 10 to 1,000 years to decompose. As a result,

plastics have been identified as one of the factors

contributing to the rise of ecological issues such as

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climate change. They are inappropriately disposed of at or

near the point that their utility to customers has expired.

The massive production of these plastics has become a major

contributor to the growing environmental dilemma, especially

the continuous production of such without a clear solution

on how to reduce the use of single-use synthetic plastics

and catalyze their decomposition.

Did you know that scientists discovered plastic bags at

the bottom of the Mariana Trench, 36,000 feet below sea

level, and that 18 billion pounds of synthetic plastics seep

into the oceans each year from coastlines? (Moore, 2019).

The Philippines, after China and Indonesia, is the

world's third-largest polluter, producing 2.7 million metric

tons of plastic waste per year. According to a 2018 review

on waste management practices, trash is not properly

disposed of. According to Crispian Lao, President of the

Philippines Alliance for Recycling and Material

Sustainability (PARMS), 70% of the Filipino population lacks

access to waste disposal facilities and sanitary landfills,

allowing waste to spill into the oceans.

Biodegradable plastics were developed and implemented

to replace the synthetic polymers that plastic materials are

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School of Liberal Arts and Teacher Education

traditionally and mostly made of to solve the growing issue

of plastic pollution.

Microbes can break down biodegradable plastics, chewing

them up and converting them to biomass, water, and carbon

dioxide (or, in the absence of oxygen, methane rather than

CO2) (Oakes, 2019).

Today, there is an increasing interest in the research

and production of biodegradable plastics that can improve

their degradability in landfills, manure, and the natural

environment, among other places. However, the durability and

claims of these biodegradable plastics, especially those

used locally, are unknown. So, the challenge now is for each

person to find a way to reduce the burden placed on the

Earth as a result of excessive use of plastics.

Tuguegarao, as the capital city of Cagayan, has faced a

similar problem in recent years, as has the majority of the

country's region, which has progressed economically while

also becoming a source of litter and waste accumulation,

which, if left unchecked, can lead to pollution, which

contributes to global warming. The Philippines' major cities

are experiencing steady high temperatures as a result of

this insurmountable crisis.

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In this regard, the researchers considered conducting a

study on how to make a long-lasting bioplastic from Pia

(Ananas comosus) leaf fibers and Cassava Starch. This is

based on Sabino et AL’s report, in which they encourage

future researchers to develop a biodegradable plastic that

degrades in a short period of time after discovering that

biodegradable plastics used in the local market are not as

biodegradable as they say. Plastic made from the fibers of

Pineapple (Ananas comosus) leaves Cassava (Manihot

esculenta) Starch sought to address plastic waste

contamination, especially after Tuguegarao City Mayor

Honorable Jefferson Soriano signed Executive Order No. 79

series of 2020 encouraging consumers to carry and transport

their dry goods using bio-oxo plastics bags or recyclable

eco-friendly bags. The use of synthetic plastics in the

packaging of products is prohibited.

The study's findings are intended to fill in knowledge

gaps about the biodegradability of plastic made from the

fibers of Pineapple (Ananas comosus) leaves, Cassava

(Manihot esculenta) starch, and widely used biodegradable

plastic. Additionally, if the study yields a positive

outcome, it may be a valuable method for business owners and

customers to transport and contain their goods.

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Statement of the Problem

Plastic has exploded all over the world as a primary

requirement for serving as containers for the products we

obtain. However, the biodegradability of biodegradable

plastics does not guarantee that they can decompose in the

short term, despite the fact that these plastics are

produced in large quantities.

The overall goal of this research project is to create

sustainable bioplastics b from Pineapple leaves (Ananas

comosus) leaves and Cassava (Manihot esculenta) starch

fibers.

The study's aim was to find answers to the following

questions:

1. When placed through a strength test, will the

Produced Bioplastic from Pineapple (Ananas comosus) Fiber

and Cassava (Manihot esculenta) Starch show the same

strength as other plastics?

2. Will the weight of the Produced Bioplastic change

after it is buried in loam soil?

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3. Which of the two plastics subjected to the

degradability test demonstrates visual modification?

Statement of Hypothesis

This study's hypothesis is that different types of

plastics can degrade and decompose at different rates. This

is attributable to the different types of materials used to

make the various plastics. However, since the natural

environment in Peñablanca has a constant high temperature,

the plastics used in the experiment will degrade slowly over

the next three months. The assertion that plastics may

degrade in the natural environment would then be

hypothesized or proven. The researchers will focus on and

test three hypotheses since they have chosen three

experimental designs.

At the 0.05 level of significance, the following Null

Hypotheses will be tested:

1. The samples of each type of plastic will not demonstrate

a mean difference in the weight they will bear during the

experiment.

2. Within three months of burying, the samples of each form

of plastic would show no difference in mass.

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3. After three months of burying, there is no visible change

in the samples of each form of plastic.

Research Paradigm
Input Process Output

Biodegradable 15 mL water, 7 mL cassava A

plastic bag starch, 5 mL white vinegar, Biodegradable
found in a 6 mL liquid glycerol, and 15 Plastic was
major mL fibers, combined in a pot Generated
Tuguegarao City Stir them together in a pot
market and until well mixed, then will
Produced the heat to minimum.
Bioplastic: Prepare the mixture by
 SAVEMORE heating it. To prevent
 Bioplastic clumping, the mixture should
from be stirred frequently. It
Pineapple will start out as a milky
(Ananas color, but it will thicken
comosus) and become slightly
leaves and translucent over time. It's
Cassava critical to keep the heat
(Manihot low so that it's evenly
esculenta) spread around the room.
Starch Switch the heat off. Turn
off the heat when the
mixture is easily scoopable.
Stir the mixture a few more
times before pouring or
scooping it onto a molder or
flat surface.
When the mixture is first
placed in the pan, it will
feel similar to hair gel and
will need to cool before
being formulated. Allow it
to sit for a minute or two
before spreading it out with
a spatula on the molder. The
plastic will harden over the
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School of Liberal Arts and Teacher Education

next fifteen minutes and

will not stick to fingers
when touched. It's best to
leave the plastic alone for
a few hours before it's
fully set.
Table 1. Research Paradigm showing the Input, Process, and

Output of the Research.

The relationship between Input, Method, and Output is

depicted in Figure 1. The inputs are biodegradable plastics

that are collected in a major market in Tuguegarao City and

bioplastics that are produced from pineapple fibers and

cassava starch. The researchers will compare the strength of

the two plastics, observe and determine the difference

between the mean weight of the original weight of the two

plastics, and as a result, the researcher will be able to

produce biodegradable plastic that is comparable to

commercially available biodegradable plastics in the region.

Significance of the Study

This project is being carried out to assist the

community in having environmentally friendly biodegradable

plastics that will not pollute the atmosphere and will not

affect land and marine animals while also meeting the

demands of both manufacturers and consumers.

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School of Liberal Arts and Teacher Education

Department of Trade and Industry. The Department of Trade

and Industry is a government agency that deals with trade

and industry issues. They will develop markets for BPs

products and actively market BPs advantages if they have a

straightforward, long-term bioeconomy vision; improve access

to fiber and feedstock; and develop markets for BPs products

and feedstock.

Department of Environmental and Natural Resources. This is

in response to their calls for the government, industry, and

other stakeholders to collaborate to find the best solution

to plastic pollution, which has become one of the most

important threats to ocean health and a significant threat

to marine biodiversity. It's also in response to Environment

Secretary Roy A Cimatu's call for a reduction in the use of

plastics that end up in the ocean and endanger marine life.

Since reducing plastic usage is unlikely, the study will

serve as an alternative response to the DENR's call.

Plastic Producers. Approximately 4% of global oil production

is dedicated to the conversion of plastic into products such

as shopping bags. As oil becomes scarce and the use of

fossil fuels becomes more costly, the need for new raw

material sources becomes critical. As a result, this

research can be used to substitute raw material sources in

the production of plastics.

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School of Liberal Arts and Teacher Education

Business Sectors. Plastics are in high demand because they

are the essential commodity or container for the goods that

customers purchase. They will be able to get the most out of

this project because it is made of biodegradable materials.

The degradability of plastics when discarded is no longer a

concern for the industries. Rather than buying plastic, they

should make their own packaging plastic. They will be able

to save money while reducing the use of single-use synthetic

plastic bags.

Society. This research would be beneficial to society. The

environmental impact of plastic waste can be reduced.

Biodegradable plastics are manufactured from natural plant-

based materials, allowing them to decompose naturally. This

research was conducted to resolve the growing issue of

plastic waste, as this form of plastic would inevitably

decompose after a period of time. With the increased usage

and production of bioplastics, the world is projected to

have a greener and more sustainable future. The society will

now appreciate a cleaner, more environmentally friendly

atmosphere that is free of plastic waste.

Future Researchers. This research aids student researchers

in learning more about the various raw materials that could

be used to create a biodegradable bioplastic in the future.

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This analysis also acts as a foundation for the various

processes involved in the development of their research.

Scopes

Despite the fact that plastics are important

commodities for humanity and often perform roles that cannot

be easily or economically replaced by other materials, they

pose an environmental problem. Bioplastic has been

implemented to address the problems. Bioplastics are

manufactured from natural plant-based raw materials that

have gone through a natural decomposition process. As a

result, the study's primary goal was to see if the

researcher could make a bioplastic from Pineapple leaf fiber

and Cassava Starch with the help of some plasticizers. The

power, degradability, and visual modification of the

bioplastic produced were all checked. Natural plant-based

raw materials were used.

Since August 3, 2020, a study has been performed in

Dodan, Peñablanca, Cagayan. The power, degradability, and

visual modification tests are all done at the same time.

Data and knowledge were gathered in Dodan, Peablanca, and

Cagayan. The information was collected from online libraries

and websites.

Delimitations
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The researcher was unable to conduct the experiment in

the University Laboratory due to the current situation.

Since they are compelled to do it at home, there is a chance

that the findings will vary slightly. The researcher was

unable to obtain information from various libraries in

Tuguegarao City. The products used to make the product are

not from a laboratory. As a result, they used products that

can only be found in our house.

The re-agents used in the production of plastics are

not readily available. They had to spend some money to get

the re-agents they wanted.

Definition of Terms

Bioplastic - is a form of plastic manufactured from

naturally occurring plant matter. This form of plastic can

decompose naturally in a natural environment.

Glycerin - is used as a re-agent in the manufacture of

plastic. It's an organic compound with a low toxicity that's

widely used as a plasticizer.

Executive Order No. 79 series of 2020 – a Tuguegarao city

ordinance prohibiting the use of synthetic plastic in the

city.
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Global Warming - is the result of the improper disposal of

synthetic plastic, which causes it to burn. The city has a

constant high temperature.

Vinegar - is used to break down amylopectin and alter the

polymer's structure and properties.

Phenolformaldehyde - is a synthetic polymer made by

combining phenol and formaldehyde. Bakelite is made from

this material. The first is a synthetic material that is

sold commercially.

Pineapple Fibers are a typical Filipino fiber made from

pineapple leaves that is used as a plant-based raw material

in the production of biodegradable plastic.

Plasticizing is the method of using plasticizer reagents to

create plastic.

Polymerization - is the chemical process by which a

synthetic plastic is formed.

Polymers - are long chains of molecules that replicate

themselves. It is a term that is often used to describe

synthetic polymer plastics.

Cassava Starch is a starch made from the dried and powdered

cassava root crops.

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Synthetic plastic - is a form of plastic that has the

ability to last for a long time.

Synthetic Resin - is a high molecular polymer that has been

synthesized artificially. The most basic raw material used

in the manufacture of synthetic plastics.

Thermoplastics - are plastics that can be melted and

reformed after they have been molded.

Thermosetting – once molded, these types of plastics cannot

be re-melted.