Manresa School

Candida Ma. St. BF Homes Paranaque City

EFFECTIVENESS OF STARCH FROM WATER CHESTNUT (ELEOCHARIS DULCIS)

AS A SOURCE OF BIOPLASTIC

A Science Investigatory Research Presented to the

Science Department

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the

Junior High School

Gabrielle Althea E. Ranario

Sophia Franzine F. Deblois
Maria Ysabella L. Alcalde
Miguel E. Bertoso
March 2019

i
 APPROVAL SHEET

This Science investigatory research entitled “EFFECTIVENESS OF STARCH

FROM WATER CHESTNUT (ELEOCHARIS DULCIS) AS A SOURCE OF

BIOPLASTIC”, prepared and submitted by Maria Ysabella L. Alcalde, Miguel E. Bertoso,

Sophia Franzine F. Deblois, and Gabrielle Althea E. Ranario, in partial fulfillment of the

requirements in Science 9, has been examined and is recommended for acceptance

and approval for oral examination.

MS. JAIZA C. CIA

Research Adviser
______________________________________________________________________

Approved by the Committee on oral examination on March 21, 2019.

MRS. CRISANDREA H. CONCEPCION MS. MARYKNOLL O. TIANIA

Chairwoman Member

______________________________________________________________________

Accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements in Science 9

MRS. JOSEPHINE C. MIDEL

JHS Science Coordinator

MS. CONCEPCION B. BAYAIS MS. AIDA A. GOMEZ

JHS Asst. Principal Principal

ii
 Abstract

Recently, plastics had been causing severe damage to life due to its harmful nature. It was frequently

suggested that Bioplastics are an eco-friendly alternative to the situation. As such, many bioplastic that

are starch based are being created in the present day. Water Chestnuts ( Eleocharis Dulcis) are plants

that grow in the marshes and are found to be native in the Philippines. It contains starch that can be

potentially turned into a bioplastic. In this study, the potential of starch extracted from Water Chestnuts to

form an effective bioplastic was investigated. The study investigated if starch extracted from Water

Chestnuts can be transformed into a bioplastic that is capable of fast decomposition and if it is capable of

being an effective container. The starch was first tested for its ability to decompose as a bioplastic. A

bioplastic made from 3-g starch, 20-ml water, 2.5-ml glycerol, and 2-ml vinegar was made in order to test

its decomposition. It was buried for 10 days and was found to have decomposed. Another batch was

made with the same ingredients was made in order to teste its effectivity as a container. It was made with

45-ml water, 9-ml vinegar, 21-g Starch, and 6-ml glycerol. It was tested for its ability to contain water and

to survive a height fall and it passed both tests. The results showed that the starch extracted from Water

Chestnuts is capable of producing an effective bioplastic. This is achieved through its ability for

decomposition and its ability to be an effective container through the prevention of fluid leaks and external

force.

Acknowledgement

The researchers would like to acknowledge the help of our research adviser, Ms. Jaiza Cia, in her

editing and proof reading of this research. Her corrections are of help to the advancement of this

research. The researchers would also like to thank the various parents of the researchers for their

suggestions in the research. The researchers would also like to thank the class of Grade 9 Fortitude SY

2018-2019 for their comments and encouragement in this research. Lastly, the researchers would like to

thank the Almighty God who had blessed them in times when the study didn’t seem possible.

iii
iv
 CHAPTER 1: BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

I. Introduction

Plastic materials are widely used around the world and they are one of the major

cause of environmental problems in our planet. Plastic materials cause a significant

amount of damage to the world’s oceans. It is said that 8 Million tonnes of plastic ends

up in the world’s oceans every year (Johnston, 2017). Sperm Whales and other species

also end up as victims of plastic pollution (Stephanis, Gimenez, Carpinelli, and

Canadas, 2013). Plastic wreaks havoc on the ecological structure of the world’s oceans,

takes the lives of many species, and contributes to the worsening impact of climate

change or global warming. Plastics are so durable that it could take hundreds of years

before it disintegrates. Other types of plastic can even last forever. Burning plastic

releases harmful chemicals such as carbon dioxide which can contribute to global

warming. Today, many alternatives to plastic have been considered. Among them is the

use of biodegradable plastic or bioplastic. Bioplastic, due to its eco-friendly structure

and impact, is an alternative that can be explored, in order to lessen the impact of

harmful plastics. The use of starch from plants and its products and parts, as

component of biodegradable plastics is an eco-friendly alternative.

Biodegradable plastics or Bioplastics are eco-friendly plastics made from an

organic source or biological substances. Today, 800,000 tons of bioplastic are produced

every year around the world. Bioplastics, made from biological substances, are capable

of decomposition when buried in the ground. To expand and propagate the use of

bioplastic, the researchers propose the use of water chestnut starch as a main

component of bioplastic. An important component of bioplastics are glucose

1
substances. Glucose is classified under carbohydrates. Hence, any starch substance

must have a good amount of carbohydrates in order to make Bioplastics. Water

chestnut is common and planted extensively in the Philippines, making it an attractive

source. In this research, the researchers will use the starch of the Water Chestnut to

make the bioplastic and the researchers will observe the effectivity of water chestnut as

a plastic. Throughout the study, the researchers will use the same process for different

amounts of water chestnut in extracting the starch and producing the bioplastic.

The study seeks to provide an eco-friendly bioplastic alternative to the harmful

everyday plastic. The use of regular plastic and its disposal leads to environmental

damage and ecological destruction. An alternative is the starch from water chestnut,

noted for its amount of carbohydrates (and its potential for glucose) and its availability in

the country. The study wants to prove that bioplastics made from Water Chestnut

starch can be an eco-friendly substitute to harmful regular plastic.

The research will benefit two groups of beneficiaries. The first group are the

farmers and the agriculturalists. Although Water Chestnut is planted in the Philippines, it

is more common in China than in the Philippines. It is not seen as an endemic

Philippine plant despite being indigenous in the country. If Water Chestnut starch can

be used as a component for bioplastic, the Water Chestnut industry will expand and

agriculture will see an increase in trade in Water Chestnut, most favorably for export.

The second group of beneficiary is the environment. Plastic contributes to the death of

many animals and the destruction of the environment, especially after its increased use

in the 21st century. By proving that Water Chestnut can be used for Bioplastics, people

2
can lessen the impact of plastics and contribute to the expansion of the Bioplastic

Market.

II. Statement of the Problem

In the study, the researchers seek to answer the possibility that Bioplastic can be

produced from starch made from Water Chestnut. The researchers also seek to

establish if the bioplastic from Water Chestnut starch is an eco-friendly alternative.

Specifically, the researchers seek to answer the following specific questions:

1. How long did it take for the produced material made primarily from Water

Chestnut Starch to decompose?

2. How much water will the Water Chestnut Bioplastic will be able to contain as a

bio-sauce plate and how high can it survive from a fall?

III. Objectives

The general objective of the study is to research and investigate if starch

extracted from Water Chestnuts can be transformed into an effective and successful

bioplastic. Another objective is to investigate if the production of Water Chestnut starch

based bioplastic is cost-effective, safe and green. These objectives will be the central

focus of the research.

This study’s specific objectives are the following:

1. Design the procedure such that the production of Water Chestnut Starch based

Bioplastic is cost-effective and the ensured decomposition of the end product.

2. Produce a bioplastic that will be as useful, strong, and reliable as plastics.

IV. Hypothesis

3
1. Water Chestnut Starch based Bioplastic cannot be constructed safely, effectively,

and has slow rate of decomposition.

2. The procedure of making Water Chestnut Starch is hard, expensive, and uncommon.

V. Significance of the Study

The study, in summary, will benefit the farmers of the Water Chestnut trade and

the environment. For the farmers and the agriculturalists, a novel use of Water Chestnut

can augment their income which would lead to a better economic condition for them and

as for the environment, this will reduce the use of plastics, expand the bioplastic

industry, and reduce the impact of climate change.

Specifically, this study would be beneficial to the following for the reason stated

herein:

Farmers and agriculturalists. A new use of Water Chestnut with its starch as a

main component of bioplastic can further expand the Water Chestnut trade and improve

the economic situation of the farmers and open a new field of interest in Water

Chestnuts.

Environment. With Water Chestnut starch based bioplastic as an alternative for

harmful plastic, the harmful effects of plastic on the environment could be reduced.

Researchers. It will provide future researchers with more related literature such as

this to help them in future studies and analysis, especially those researchers who are

specifically researching and studying in the field of bioplastics and biodegradable

objects, especially starch based bioplastic.

4
VI. Scope and Delimitations

This research study is generally focused on the effectivity of Water Chestnut

starch as a bioplastic. Specifically, the study covers the effectivity of the said bioplastic,

its status as eco-friendly, cheap, and safe alternative to plastic, and the procedure of

making Water Chestnut starch based bioplastic and its decomposition.

The study shall not cover the creation of new methods of making bioplastic. We

shall be adapting existing methods in making bioplastics that have already been

established in order to make Water Chestnut Starch based bioplastic. The study will

also determine the biodegradability of the bioplastic to see if it can be an eco-friendly

alternative. The durability of the bioplastic will also be tested. The construction for the

Bioplastic will take 3 to 4 months. Lastly, the experiment will be held in the premises of

Manresa School or in the Science Laboratory and Libraries.

VII. Definition of Terms

The following terms are conceptually and operationally defined for better

understanding of the readers.

 Biodegradable Plastic/Bioplastic - Natural polymers that are made without

petrochemicals: for example, cellulose based, starch based and natural based

rubber materials. Some are completely biodegradable and require less energy to

produce than synthetic polymers (Bioplastics, n.d.). In this research, we will try to

create a starch based Bioplastic from Water Chestnut.

 Carbohydrate - it is any of a large group of organic compounds occurring in

foods and living tissues and including sugars, starch, and cellulose (English

5
 Oxford Living Dictionary, n.d.). They contain hydrogen and oxygen in the same

ratio as water (2:1) and typically can be broken down to release energy in the

animal body. In the research, the amount of carbohydrates is vital, as glucose is

classified as a carbohydrate

 Glucose - a simple sugar that is an important energy source in living organisms

and is a component of many carbohydrates (Archuleta, 2013). In this study, the

researchers identified glucose as an important component in the formation of

Bioplastics.

 Plastic - it is a synthetic material made from a wide range of organic polymers

such as polyethylene, PVC, nylon, etc., that can be molded into shape while soft

and then set into a rigid or slightly elastic form (English Oxford Living Dictionary,

n.d.). Due to its harmful properties, the researchers seek an alternative (which is

Starch based Bioplastic based from Water Chestnuts).

 Starch - it is an odorless tasteless white substance occurring widely in plant

tissue and obtained chiefly from cereals and potatoes (English Oxford Living

Dictionary, n.d.). It is a polysaccharide that functions as a carbohydrate store and

is an important constituent of the human diet. In the research, Bioplastic is based

from Starch made from Water Chestnut.

 Water Chestnut - a whitish crunchy vegetable used especially in Chinese

cooking that is the peeled and often sliced tuber of a sedge (Eleocharis

dulcis synonym E. tuberosa) native to Asia but widely cultivated elsewhere

(Water Chestnut, n.d.). In this research, Water Chestnuts will be used as the

source of Starch in order to make the Bioplastic.

6
 CHAPTER 2: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Plastic causes unwanted damage to the environment every year when thrown as

waste. It affects the world’s oceans and the life that resides in it. It also affects the

atmosphere in the Earth when burned. This study seeks to lessen the effects of plastic

through the production of a certain bioplastic. In this study, the researchers aim to make

a bioplastic made from starch extracted from Water Chestnut. Here, the researchers

also aim to make an effective, and cheap means of production of bioplastic. This is in

order to benefit many sectors of society and to find alternative solutions in solving

problems that is related to plastic. It is also in the interest of the researchers to review

the different characteristics of the variables of the study. With this as the objective of the

study, the researchers will define the following terms in order to enhance the

understanding of concepts and further interest and knowledge in the study:

Water Chestnut

It is known by its scientific name as Eleocharis dulcis. Described as a knobby

edible tuber, the water plant is indigenous to Southeast Asia (Genius Kitchen, n.d.).

Although it is named as a Chestnut, the vegetable is actually planted in the marshes. It

is harvested when its bulb has grown into a brown skinned color. Water Chestnuts are

available all year-round. It is also planted extensively in China and throughout

Southeast Asia (Humanity Development Library 2.0, n.d.). The Water Chestnut contains

carbohydrates that has glucose that can be used to make a bioplastic (Raman, 2018).

7
In this study, the researchers will be extracting starch (a form of carbohydrates) from

Water Chestnut. Once made, the researchers will use the starch to make an effective

and durable bioplastic.

Starch

Carvalho (2013) states that starch is a major carbohydrate that is stored in plants

and are consumed daily by humans. Starch is classified as a biopolymer, specifically a

polysaccharide. Examples of starch are potatoes, pasta, bread, and rice (Carvalho,

2013). It has also seen use in industries unrelated to food or human consumption.

Among the food and non-food related products that uses starch as a core ingredient are

medicines, packaging materials, candies, food thickener, jellies, and eco-friendly

substances such as biofuel and other biopolymers (Blecker and Thitisaksakul, 2014).

Along with its increased use in the 21 st century, researchers has concentrated on starch

as a potential source for renewable energy and other ecological solutions (Arikan and

Ozsoy, 2015). This includes eco-friendly plastics or bioplastics. In this study, the

researchers identified starch as an important component in the development of Water

Chestnut Bioplastic. Here, the researchers will extract starch from Water Chestnut in

order to make the bioplastic.

Glucose

Perkins (2018) defines glucose as a monosaccharide, sugars that cannot be

simplified further, that is in a form of a sugar molecule. It is the basic structure that

forms starch. The primary energy source found in plants and needed by humans and

8
animals, it is found in food with carbohydrates such as pasta or pastries. According to

Gotro (2013), glucose can be utilized to make chemicals that is the basis for bioplastic

(chemicals such as bio-ethylene and bio-polyethylene). In this study, the researchers

identified glucose as the basic molecule that forms starch. Starch, composed of

carbohydrates that are compose of glucose, will be extracted from Water Chestnuts in

order to make an effective bioplastic. Like other bioplastics based from starch, the

glucose will be used to make the basic building blocks of the bioplastic that is based

from starch extracted from Water Chestnut.

Carbohydrate

According to Szalay (2017), carbohydrates are sugars and macronutrients found

in fruits and vegetables, milk, and grain products. The macronutrients are considered as

the main source of energy for the human body. It is found in plants and is consumed

not just by humans but also by milk producing animals. In order to create Bioplastic, it is

necessary to acquire carbohydrates like starch (Floreon, 2014). Examples of

carbohydrates are vegetables, fruits, and dairy products. In this research, starch (from

Water Chestnuts) will be used to create an effective and durable bioplastic.

Biodegradable Plastic/Bioplastic

It is an eco-friendly plastic that is wholly or partly based from an organic biomass

(Creative Mechanisms Staff, 2016). The eco-friendly plastic is known for its

decomposition when buried in the ground. Since it is made from organic matter, it

decomposes fast. Woodford (2018) stated that when simple chemicals are used in

9
creating plastic, it breaks down faster and easier. Hence, organic matter is used to

create bioplastic and this paves the way for faster decomposition. Its biodegradability

makes it an eco-friendly alternative to the usual plastic since it can decompose by itself

in a faster rate when thrown as waste or buried in the ground as this is credited to the

use of matter with simple chemicals like Organic matter. According to Cho (2018),

Bioplastic is being produced as consumer goods such as utensils, containers, bags, and

food packaging. It has seen use in many industries related to the mentioned products.

Bioplastics can also help in reducing the effects of climate change (Floreon, 2014). By

using bioplastic, the use of harmful plastics can be reduced. In the study, the

researchers seek to create a bioplastic based from starch made from Water Chestnut.

In this study, the researchers investigated on the potential of starch from Water

Chestnuts as a bioplastic. From the definitions mentioned from above, the study will be

making an efficient, durable, and cheap bioplastic from starch extracted from Water

Chestnuts. Water Chestnuts have components such as carbohydrates in the form of

starch and glucose that can be utilized to make a bioplastic. Most bioplastics are made

of starch. Because of this, the researchers realized that starch extracted from Water

Chestnuts can be used to make a bioplastic that is durable and effective. This can be

done by transforming the glucose of the starch into basic components essential for

bioplastics. Therefore, it is conclusive that starch from Water Chestnuts can be

transformed to make a bioplastic.

10
 REVIEW OF RELATED STUDIES

This study is focused on the potential of the usefulness of Water Chestnut as a

potential source of starch that can be used to make an effective and durable bioplastic.

As such, a study on “Biodegradable Plastic Production from Fruit Waste material and its

sustainable use for Green Applications” is relevant to the topic. It was done by

Yaradoddi et al. (2016). The study was focused on making a bioplastic by converting

banana peel waste into a polymer. The polymer, in turn, was used to make an effective

bioplastic. In the study, it was found that:

1. When buried in the ground and its weight measured daily over a span of 15

days, the weight of the banana peel bioplastic exhibited a constant decrease. It

was inferred by the researchers that the decrease of weight pertains to the

successful decomposition of the banana peel bioplastic.

2. When the bioplastic is soaked in chloroform and methanol, it gained little weight.

This is only true when soaked with chloroform and methanol. However, when

soaked in water, its weight doubles. As stated in the study, the results are

desirable since a doubling of weight from water can lead to a faster

decomposition rate in the soil.

3. Many chemicals tested for solubility with the banana peel bioplastic were found

to be either completely insoluble or partially soluble. This is a desired result as

the integrity of the bioplastic is not entirely compromised when exposed to

several or different chemical elements.

11
 Another study that is related to this research is “A study on Bioplastic based on

starch and cellulose nanocrystals from rice straw”. It was conducted by Agustin,

Ahmmad, Alonzo, and Patriana (2014). Their study focused on the use of starch from

rice straw as a potential source of production for bioplastic. The rice straws were

retrieved from the Philippines. Among their findings are:

1. Cellulose nanocrystals can be extracted from the rice straws and can be

employed to create bioplastic.

2. The starch extracted from the rice straws have strong points in terms of

crystallinity, chemical and morphological structure. However, it is weak in terms

of resistance to moisture and thermal stability.

3. The extracted material showed desirable stiffness, an important factor in the

durability of bioplastics.

A study entitled “Production of potato starch based bioplastic” was conducted by

Soomaree (2016) is of interest. Its main focus was the use of potato as a source of

starch for bioplastic. In the study, Soomaree concluded that:

1. Starch may be extracted using the following substances: water, alkali, and

enzymes.

2. Starch from 10 tons worth of potatoes is capable of producing 356 bioplastic

bags.

3. The Potato Bioplastic is resistant to prolonged elongation and strain.

12
 4. The Bioplastic is capable of resisting a force of 1kg, making it a durable and

effective bioplastic.

Goswami (2014) conducted a study entitled “Bio-Plastic From Waste

Newspaper”. It investigates the potential use of waste newspaper as a bioplastic.

Cellulose was extracted from paper sludge and was then transformed into a bioplastic.

The bioplastic was then subjected to testing. In the results, it was found that:

1. The specific starch material that is produced is dextrose. It is then converted

into a lactic acid.

2. Heat can be applied to the lactic acid, which can cause it to form substances

that are essential to bioplastic production.

Another study that is closely related was conducted by Wahyuningtiyas and

Suryanto (2018). It is “A study on the Properties of Cassava Starch based Bioplastic

Reinforced by Nanoclay”. The study focuses on the properties of cassava, potato, and

corn starch for its use as an effective and durable bioplastic. The study found that:

1. Bioplastics produced from Cassava starch have a decomposition rate of 12

days.

2. Bioplastics produced from Corn starch have a decomposition rate of 7 days.

3. Bioplastics produced from Potato starch have a decomposition rate of 5 days.

4. Nanoclay is effective in reducing the decomposition rate by half. For example,

cassava starch bioplastic take 6 days when made from nanoclay.

13
 Another study that is related to the research is entitled “Biodegradability of oil palm

cellulose-based bioplastics”. In the mentioned study that was conducted by Isroi,

Rahman, and Syamsu (2018), Oil palm bioplastics were analyzed for its element of

biodegradability and its effectiveness as a bioplastic. The bioplastic is cellulose based.

From the study, it was confirmed that:

1. Oil palm bioplastics are faster in their rate of decomposition than starch based

bioplastics and conventional or non-bioplastics.

2. Oil Palm based bioplastics release more carbon dioxide than starch bioplastics.

The release of carbon dioxide pertains to the biodegradability rate of bioplastics.

Hence, Oil Palm degrade faster than starch bioplastics.

In another study conducted by Isroi (2018), Tithonia diversifolia extract was used

as an important element to test the biodegradability of bioplastics. The study is

entitled “Effect of Tithonia diversifolia extract on the biodegradability of the bioplastics

in plantation soil”. The biodegradability test was conducted over 60 days. The

bioplastic was made from Cacao pod husk and starch but was enriched with the said

extract. In the study conducted by Isroi, it is stated that:

1. Bioplastics enriched with Tithonia diversifolia extract had a faster

biodegradability rate than bioplastics that had no extract.

2. The release of Carbon Dioxide was heavier for bioplastics with the extract

than bioplastics without the extract. A heavy release of Carbon Dioxide

means a fast biodegradability rate.

14
 A study on the production of bioplastics through soybeans was entitled

“Investigation of Bioplastic Properties Developed from Acrylate Epoxidized Soybean Oil

Through Ring Opening Polymerization Process”. It was conducted by Yua, Gupta,

Gupta, and Bala (2017). This was made possible through a Ring Opening

Polymerization Process. It has been found that:

1. Bioplastics made from soybeans have weaker tensile strength.

2. Crystalline properties are visible and clear. This indicates durability and

effectiveness.

15
 CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY

I. Research Design

This experimental research is conducted in the study in order to focus on the

utilization of starch in Water Chestnuts to produce an effective and durable bioplastic. In

this study, the researchers will determine if the production is cost-effective. The

researchers will also determine if the produced product is durable and useful as a

normal plastic but also eco-friendly as a bioplastic.

The production of bioplastics made from starch extracted from Water Chestnuts

will be divided into two operations: combining the water chestnut starch, distilled water,

glycerol, and white vinegar to make a bioplastic and testing its decomposability, by

combining again the same ingredients and producing a sauce plate, and creating a

small bowl made from the same ingredients.

II. Collecting Data

Materials

For the first operation, the following materials will be used to produce two small

bioplastics: 20ml of distilled water, 2ml of white vinegar, 3g of extracted Water Chestnut

starch, and 2.5 ml of Glycerol. The researchers will also use a saucepan, a stove,

syringe, weighting scale, silicon spatula, and toothpicks as tools that will be used to

16
manipulate the elements in order to make a bioplastic. The said materials and

ingredients are bought locally.

After the bioplastic is produced, its decomposability will be checked after two

days of drying by using the following: one container of dry soil, one container of wet soil,

and digging materials.

In the second operation, the researchers will make two bioplastics that will be

shaped into a sauce plate that can contain water and survive falls. Materials and

ingredients that will be used are 45ml of distilled water, 9ml of white vinegar, 21g of

extracted Water Chestnut Starch, and 6 ml of glycerol.

Schematic Diagrams

First Operation

Mixing and Drying and Observation

Heating Decomposing

Certain amounts After mixing and After 10 days of

of water heating, the decomposition,
chestnut starch, bioplastic, it will it will be
glycerol, water, be left to dry for checked for its
and vinegar will 2 days. After the decomposition
be mixed at low mentioned and
heat. period, it will be disintegration
decomposed for into the soil.
10 days.

17
Second Operation

Mixing and Heating Drying and Observation

Separation

Certain amounts After mixing and After two days,

of water chestnut heating the the integrity of
starch, glycerol, bioplastic, it will the bioplastic will
water, and vinegar be left to dry for 2 be tested with a
will be mixed at days but not fall test and its
low heat. before separating ability to contain
the bioplastic into water effectively.
two sauce plates,
one small, one
large.

Procedures

In the first operation, two bioplastics will be made. 20ml of distilled water, 2ml of

white vinegar, 3g of extracted Water Chestnut starch, and 2.5 ml of Glycerol will be

mixed in the saucepan. The water will be added first via syringe followed by the vinegar,

glycerol, and lastly the starch. After mixing the four components, the saucepan will be

placed into the stove and is subjected into low heat for 5 minutes and continuous

stirring. After 5 minutes, the mixture must have a somewhat viscous and thicker form. It

is then extracted from the saucepan and flattened on top of a plastic container through

the use of a toothpick. After being left to dry for two days, the bioplastics will be tested

for its decomposability in different conditions. One bioplastic will be buried in dry soil,

the other will be buried in wet. After burial, the bioplastic will be checked for how long it

18
decomposed. It will be also checked for other signs of decomposition like the presence

of fungi.

For the second operation, one bioplastic will be made. 45ml of distilled water,

9ml of white vinegar, 21g of extracted Water Chestnut Starch, and 6 ml of glycerol will

be mixed. After creation, the bioplastic will be divided into two small sauce plates: one

big and one small. If the ratio were to be compared to the first operation, Starch, water,

and vinegar were increased to make way for a more solid form while glycerol is reduced

to lessen the flexibility in order to make an effective container. Like the first operation, it

will be placed in a saucepan on a stove and it will be subjected to low heat. After 5

minutes, the researchers will start molding the bioplastic into two sauce plates, one

large and one big. For this to be achieved, it will be sandwiched between two sauce

plates for its curved shape to be achieved. It will then be left to dry for 2 days. After 2

days, it will be subjected to a fall test and it will be tested to what extent can it contain

water. This is done in order to test the integrity of the bioplastic.

19
 CHAPTER 4: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

As stated in the methodology of the research, the experiment will be divided

into two operations. The first operation will test the biodegradability of the bioplastic

while the second operation will test if the same type of bioplastic can be molded into a

form that can contain water and survive falling impact. The bioplastics are all made from

Water Chestnut Starch. Here, the researchers will be discussing the results of the two

operations.

In the first operation, 2 thin sheets of Water Chestnut bioplastics were produced.

The two bioplastics were then placed in the soil, one dry and one wet. After 10 days, the

bioplastics were checked for decomposition and the table below shows the results:

Research Question 1: How long did it take for the produced material made

primarily from Water Chestnut Starch to decompose?

Table 1: Decomposition of Bioplastic

Bioplastics First Day Day of Full Appearance of

Decomposition Fungi

Bioplastic in Dry Soil Whole 14th day of 9th Day of

Decomposition Decomposition

Bioplastic in Wet Soil Whole 10th Day of 4th Day of

Decomposition Decomposition

20
 Based from the data that is available, the bioplastic has successfully

decomposed. The bioplastic in the dry soil has mostly decomposed or broke apart while

the other bioplastic decomposed faster due to the presence of water.

In the second operation, two sauce plates made from Water Chestnut Starch

were produced. One Sauce Plate is large, the other is small. After it was left to dry for 2

days after its creation, the researchers tested how much water it can contain and how

high can it survive in a height fall. The table shows the following results:

Research Question 2: How much water will the Water Chestnut Bioplastic will

be able to contain as a bio-sauce plate and how high can it survive from a fall?

Table 2: Integrity of Bioplastic

Bioplastic Amount of Water it was Height Fall it was able to

able to contain. survive.

Small Bio-Sauce Plate 4ml 100cm

Large Bio-Sauce Plate 8ml 100cm

From the table presented above, the small bio-sauce plates was able to contain

4ml of water and the large bio-sauce plate was able to contain 8ml of water. Both were

able survive a 100cm fall. The ability of the produced bioplastic to contain water shows

that larger forms of the bioplastic like bowls and plate might be able to contain water,

food, and other liquids and solids for consumption. It also shows that there were no

leaks of water from either the two sauce plates, making it an effective holder of liquid.

As for the 100cm height fall, both sauce plates were able to withstand the fall. This

shows the strong structure and integrity the sauce plate contains with the material used

21
to form the said subject. Due to the two sub-experiments in the second operation, the

bio-sauce plate has been proven to be an effective container and larger forms can be

made with the same ratio of ingredients.

According to Saharan and Sharma (2018), bioplastics should be capable of

decomposition. The first operation proves this. Roymahapatra and Katua (2016) also

states that in applying the use of bioplastics in households, it is important for a bioplastic

to be able to survive basic tests like the leaking of water and a height fall from a table.

As such, the subjected bioplastic was able to survive the mentioned tests and through

its survival, it was able to prove that the bioplastic can maintain its integrity and

structure and prevent the leakage of water, making it an effective container.

22
 CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

At this stage in the research, the researchers will further discuss the results and

from this discussion, recommendations will be made on the improvement of the

bioplastic and for future researchers to study and discuss on.

Conclusion

In the discussion of this research, it has been proven that the bioplastic that is

produced from Water Chestnut Starch is biodegradable and strong and effective in

terms of integrity and structure. By analyzing the two operations conducted in the

research and the corresponding data obtained from the experiments of the research, it

has been found that:

1. The problem of the research has been satisfied through the formation of a low

cost and safe procedure that can produce a bioplastic capable of decomposition

using extracted starch from Water Chestnuts and other materials. This was

shown in the first operation.

2. The problem of the research is also satisfied with the effectiveness of the

produced bioplastic as a liquid container and its capability to survive a fall from a

height similar to a table. This was shown in the data and analysis of the second

operation.

In conclusion, bioplastics made from starch extracted from Water Chestnuts can be

a durable and effective alternative to the use of plastics. It can also done with low cost

23
production. According to Goodall (2011), these characteristics meets the expected

status of bioplastics in its state of eco-friendliness and effectiveness. As such, the

researchers considers the bioplastics successful.

Recommendations

In this study, the researchers notice some problems that can be fixed in future

studies.

1. One problem is the softness of the bioplastic. Although it was able to survive a

fall the height of a table and was able to prevent any fluid leaks, it is thought that it can

be destroyed in more severe conditions like a fall from a taller height and damage

obtained from other materials. As such, we recommend the inclusion of materials or

substances that will further enhance the strength of the bioplastic.

2. The researchers also recommend lessening the amount of water in future

experiments. The reason why water should be lessened is that when the bioplastics are

left to dry, small cracks begin to appear. This is the result of the evaporation of water.

Although the bio-sauce plates were able to prevent any leaks, the cracks are still a sign

of needed improvement in the bioplastic formula in future studies.

3. The researchers also suggest making bigger forms of the bioplastic like bowls

and plates in order to see further the effectivity of the bioplastic in future researches.

4. The researchers also propose the use of compression test in future studies in

testing the effectivity of the Water Chestnut bioplastic.

24
 APPENDIX A

Materials

LEFT TO RIGHT: Extracted Water Chestnut Starch, White Vinegar, Distilled Water,

Glycerol. Digital Weighting Scale, and Syringes.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Plastic top, container used for starch measure, silicon spatula, spoon,

and saucepan on top of a stove.

25
 LEFT TO RIGHT: Measuring Stick used for 100 cm height fall, the sauce plate that will

be used to shape the bioplastic in the second operation.

APPENDIX B

Procedures

LEFT TO RIGHT: The mixture before being heated, 3 minutes in heating, and the

result.

LEFT TO RIGHT: The bioplastic 2 days after drying, the soil that will be used to bury
the bioplastic.

26
LEFT TO RIGHT: The ingredients of the bioplastic of the second operation being mixed,
the bioplastic being mixed. The bioplastic after 5 minutes of mixing. Notice that the
bioplastic has a bigger form than the first operation bioplastics. The measure of the
ingredients were increased in order to make more bioplastic suitable for two sauce
plates, one large and one small.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Molding the Bioplastic, the bioplastics after creation.

27
 APPENDIX C
Results

LEFT TO RIGHT: The bioplastic in dry soil after 10 days, the bioplastic in wet soil in the
same period as the dry soil bioplastic.

28
LEFT TO RIGHT: The bio-sauce plate was able to contain water, there are no leaks in
either of the two bio-sauce plates as shown in the right picture.

ABOVE: The two bio-sauce plates still intact after the height test.

29