Biodegradable Plastic from Potato Starch
Introduction A. Background of the study
Due to the overwhelming demand of plastic bag production and its effects on our environment, our landfills are crammed with these non biodegradable materials. Substances used in the manufacturing brought forth various harmful chemicals which worsen over time. As the destructive compounds such as Chloroflourocarbon were introduced, the complete deprivation of the Ozone Layer starts. However, scientists and nature preservers alike managed to overthrow this hazard, but not entirely.
To compensate for the damages, eco products were released. These are the most commonly made of recycled and/or natural organic materials. They utilize nature’s abundant supplies to create a replica or substitute for our plastics. One example would be the “Biodegradable plastic bags” made from the starch of the Cassava plant (Manihot esculent). The new plastic has been able to capture the interests of buyers, enabling it to advocate the benefits and obvious effects one can receive from using an eco friendly product.
To further elaborate the example, scientist and researches aim to discover another substitute for this product and perhaps develop a completely new one along the way. Current findings are apparently still limited to the actual Cassava ingredient. B. Statement of the Problem and Objectives
This study aims to determine what other plants can be used to substitute the Cassava in the production of Biodegradable Plastic Bags in terms of starch content and durability.
Specifically, the study aims to achieve the following objectives: 1. To search for the plants with the same or similar starch content as the Cassava. 2. To determine if the plant starch is durable enough to be compared against mass produced “oxo biodegradable” plastics. C. Significance of the study
Discovering a new and different ingredient required for the Bio-plastic will provide an alternative source if ever needed. Doing so may also inspire at the same time, an
Due to the overwhelming demand of plastic bag production and its effects on our environment, our landfills are crammed with these non biodegradable materials. Substances used in the manufacturing brought forth various harmful chemicals which worsen over time. As the destructive compounds such as Chloroflourocarbon were introduced, the complete deprivation of the Ozone Layer starts. However, scientists and nature preservers alike managed to overthrow this hazard, but not entirely.
To compensate for the damages, eco products were released. These are the most commonly made of recycled and/or natural organic materials. They utilize nature’s abundant supplies to create a replica or substitute for our plastics. One example would be the “Biodegradable plastic bags” made from the starch of the Cassava plant (Manihot esculent). The new plastic has been able to capture the interests of buyers, enabling it to advocate the benefits and obvious effects one can receive from using an eco friendly product.
To further elaborate the example, scientist and researches aim to discover another substitute for this product and perhaps develop a completely new one along the way. Current findings are apparently still limited to the actual Cassava ingredient. B. Statement of the Problem and Objectives
This study aims to determine what other plants can be used to substitute the Cassava in the production of Biodegradable Plastic Bags in terms of starch content and durability.
Specifically, the study aims to achieve the following objectives: 1. To search for the plants with the same or similar starch content as the Cassava. 2. To determine if the plant starch is durable enough to be compared against mass produced “oxo biodegradable” plastics. C. Significance of the study
Discovering a new and different ingredient required for the Bio-plastic will provide an alternative source if ever needed. Doing so may also inspire at the same time, an
Bibliography: Atkinson, H. (1999-2011). Uses of Potato Starch. Retrieved September 27, 2011, from eHow Food: http://www.ehow.com/list_6830774_uses-potato-starch.html Barry Farm Foods Gray, A. (2003). Starch Synthesis and Manipulation. Retrieved September 27, 2011, from andrewgray.com: http://www.andrewgray.com/essays/starch.htm ICP International Starch Institute. (1999-2010). Techinical Memorandum on Cassava Starch. Retrieved September 27, 2011, from International Starch Institute: http://www.starch.dk/isi/starch/cassavastarch.asp International Starch Institute Pattron, D. D. (2008, January 28). Non-food uses of Cassava. Retrieved September 27, 2011, from GO Articles.com: http://goarticles.com/article/Non-food-uses-of-Cassava/772381/ Satin, M Taggart, S. (2002, April 25). Two Words: Biodegradable Plastic. Retrieved September 27, 2011, from Wired: http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2002/04/51871?currentPage=all Thurber, F