INTRODUCTIONBackground Of The StudyGabi, or taro, is prized chiefly on account of its large corms, or underground stems, which may be a staple food in some areas but in our own locality it is usually preferred as Food for the pigs due to a property which is known to be harmful for human consumption when not properly cooked. It has high starch content, is very nutritious and has many medicinal and non-medicinal uses since the beginning of time. Pure Starch is a white, tasteless and odorless powder that is insoluble in cold water or alcohol. It consists of two types of molecules; the linear and helical amylase and the branched amyl pectin. Thus, it is the most suitable biodegradable agent. Plastic is all around us. It is useful, lightweight, durable, strong and relatively inexpensive. In recent years there have been plastic issues causing downfalls in many urban countries. Worldwide we produce about 100 million tons of petroleum plastic per year. Most of this ends up in landfills, rivers, oceans, and lakes, where it pollutes the ecosystems for hundreds of years. Over 540 billion pounds of oil-based plastic are produced every year and to make these plastics we use about 7 million barrels of oil per day. Plastics are not biodegradable because the polymer chains are too tight and large to be broken down. Therefore it is significant to promote biodegradable plastics especially in our time. Even if the government or those so called experts say that we should eliminate the use of plastics, the fact is we really cannot because of its versatility and let`s face it, it has become a necessity, an accessory and even a form of advertisement for some businesses which helps the economy to grow.Objectives Of The StudyMain Objective: To develop a biodegradable plastic.Specific Objective:To identify which concentration would be best used to develop a biodegradable plastic.Significance Of The StudyThere is an increasing demand for plastic, from the highly technological fields of electronics, fiber optics, and pharmaceuticals to the basic necessities such as sandwich wrappers and garbage bags. This high demand for plastics, however, has been a major contributor to the world's present garbage problems. This research aimed at developing biodegradable plastics is one big step to lessen, if not totally eliminate, this global concern. The use of biodegradable plastics has already started in the United States. Some plastics use cornstarch as an additive. This additive helps in the natural decomposition of the plastic materials. Galiang is basically composed of starch.Because plastics are made of polymers, starch is a very favorable raw material in plastic-making. The plastic produced will be treated with different amounts of starch (polymer), water, lemon juice and glycerol (plasticizer). The finished product will be expected to be comparable to commercial plastics in terms of clarity, reaction to acids and bases, water absorption, tensile stress and tensile strain, and flammability.Scope And Delimitation Of The StudyIt only limits itself on the utilization of locally grown Galiang as the experimental treatment and Commercial plastic as the control treatment. This study was conducted from June to September 2013 at the Benguet State University-Secondary Laboratory School Chemistry LaboratoryDefinition Of TermsLemon (Citrus limon)- is a small evergreen tree native to Asia and the tree's ellipsoidal yellow fruit. The fruit is used for culinary and non-culinary purposes throughout the world, primarily for its juice, though the pulp and rind (zest) are also used in cooking and baking. The juice of the lemon is about 5% to 6% citric acid, which gives lemons a sour tasteGaliang (Cyrtosperma chamissonis)- is the largest of the root crop plants known collectively as Taro, which are cultivated throughout Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Although outwardly similar to Colocasia esculenta, the most widely cultivated taro, it belongs to a different genus. The plant may reach heights of 45 meters, with leaves and roots much larger than Colocasia esculenta.Glycerol (or glycerine, glycerin)a simple polyol (sugar alcohol) compound. It is a colourless, odourless, viscous liquid that is widely used in pharmaceutical formulations. It is sweet-tasting and of low toxicity. Glycerol has three hydroxyl groups that are responsible for its solubility in water and its hygroscopic nature. The glycerol backbone is central to all lipids known as triglycerides. Starch (amylum)a carbohydrate consisting of a large number of glucose units joined by glycosidic bonds. This polysaccharide is produced by all green plants as an energy store. Pure starch is a white, tasteless and odourless powder that is insoluble in cold water or alcohol. It consists of two types of molecules; the linear and helical amylase and the branched amyl pectin that is insoluble in cold water or alcohol. Plastic synthetic or semi-synthetic organic solids that are moldable. Plastics are typically organic polymers of high molecular mass, but they often contain other substances. Most plastics contain organic polymers. The vast majority of these polymers are based on chains of carbon atoms alone or with oxygen, sulfur, or nitrogen as well.Ethanol - also called ethyl alcohol, pure alcohol, grain alcohol, or drinking alcohol, is a volatile, flammable, colorless, organic solvent liquid with the structural formula CH3CH2OH, often abbreviated as C2H5OH or C2H6O. A psychoactive drug and one of the oldest recreational drugs known, ethanol produces a state known as alcohol intoxication when consumed as a beverage.Polyvinyl Acetate -is a thermoplastic resin glue produced by the polymerization of vinyl acetate monomer in water producing an emulsion with solid contents of 50-55%. PVA, PVAc, poly(ethenyl ethanoate), is a rubbery synthetic polymer. It is a type of thermoplastic. It is a component of a widely used glue type, commonly referred to as wood glue, white glue, carpenter's glue, school glue, Elmer's glue (in the US), or PVA glue.

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATUREThe word plastic came from the Greek word plastikos, meaning capable of being molded. Plastics can be as hard as metal or as soft as silk. They can take any shape in almost any form due to the versatility of the carbon, the most common backbone of polymer chains. Plastics can be conveniently divided into two categories: semi-synthetic, in which the basic chain structure is derived from a natural product, such as cellulose; and synthetic, which is built up chemically from small units or monomers. Despite the various applications of plastics, drawbacks have been encountered in three major points. Firstly, there are certain chemicals used in the manufacture of .plastics that may cause allergic reactions. Three is a need man from these threat. Secondly, since cellulose films are biodegradable; they are readily attacked by bacteria. Films and packaging materials from synthetic polymers are normally attacked at a very low rate. New polymers such is nylon, polyvinyl chloride and Polystyrene have replaced cellulose, the pioneer plastic material. As a result, these plastic materials have become permanent wastes.There 'are various methods in making biodegradable plastics. The simplest is the production of plastic from the extraction of casein from milk. Casein is obtained in two ways by souring, with the use of lactic acid, arid by boiling together with an additive, such as acetic acid.Starch is a natural organic polymer manufactured by green plants through photosynthesis to serve as metabolic reserve It occurs in the form of grains in many 'parts of the plant, principally in embryonic tissues such as seeds, fruits, roots and tubers.Glycerol is the simplest trihydric alcohol. In commercial form, it is called glycerin. It is a colorless odorless and viscous liquid with a sweet taste. It is completely soluble in water and alcohol but is only slightly soluble in many common solvents, such as ether, ethyl acetate and dioxane. It is widely used in coatings and paints, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.Plastic production is relatively new technology. Experiments are being conducted to relieve the negative effects 'of overproducing plastics. By changing its raw materials and additives, commercial plastic may be improved so that it will become degradable while retaining its good quality.Production of Biodegradable Plastic from Squash Starch, Kathleen Hazel Lansang MontemayorThis project was conducted because the researchers found out that the global warming is one of the chief reasons on why the world is suffering from food shortage. As the population increases, the food production decreases and global warming contributes in to the increasing production of food. That is why the researchers came up with the project of making biodegradable plastic.The project can reduce our problems in global warming because it needs no burning to decay. If the global warming will be reduced the food shortage will be reduced. It is focus more on lessening the worlds problems by using this product, the biodegradable plastic.The first step done by the researchers is the peeling of one half kilo of squash. It was then chopped. Next, the squash was boiled by the researchers using a casserole with 1.25 liters of water.After about 20 minutes of boiling, the squash was soaked and place in a bowl. It was then grinded using a spoon. The starch on it was extracted a Muslim cloth. The juice/extract was separated from the starch and was placed on the remaining two bowls. One fourth kilo of starch was produced.After that, the starch was set on a fiber glass. It was flattened and the top layer was covered with plastic cover. It was then dried under the sun. After about 7 hours of sun drying, the starch was removed from the fiber glass. Same treatment was also done for the screen. The experiment was done repeatedly so as to test if it will obtain same results.For the conclusion, the researchers believe that among the six set-ups done, the 2nd set up of the 2nd trial obtain the best results. Both sides were smooth and it has a better bending property. The researchers came imperfections on their product. And so as to avoid encountering imperfections, the researchers recommended the next batch who would like to continue the project to use different molders so as to achieve the desired shape and structure of the plastic.Biodegradable Plastic From Cassava (Manihot Esculenta) Starch The study aims to produce biodegradable plastic using cassava starch as its main component. Cassava starch was mixed with water, epoxydized soya bean oil (ESBO), glycerol, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The mixture was then compressed and tested. Three preparations were made from the mixture. The first preparation contained 50 grams starch, 50 grams water, 50 grams PVA, 2.5 grams ESBO, and 2.5 grams glycerol. The second preparation contained 65 grams starch, 65 grams water, 50 grams PVA, 2.5 grams ESBO, and 2.5 grams glycerol. The third preparation contained 80 grams starch, 80 grams water, 50 grams PVA, 2.5 grams ESBO, and 2.5 grams glycerol. The first preparation exhibited the most desirable mechanical properties. The material produced was proven to be biodegradable.Bioplastic from starch: an economically and enviromentally sustainable reality, C. Bastioli, M. Versari, Novamont Spa, Novara, ItalyBio plastics from renewable origin are a new generation of plastics able to significantly reduce the environmental impact in terms of energy consumption and green-house effect in specific applications, to perform as traditional plastics when in use, and completely biodegrade within a composting cycle.Today bio plastics and particularly starch-based plastics are used in specific industrial applications where biodegradability is required such as the composting bags and sacks, fast food service ware ( cups, cutlery, plates, straws etc.), packaging (soluble foams for industrial packaging, film wrapping, laminated paper, food containers), agriculture (much film, nursery pots, plant labels), hygiene ( diaper back sheet, cotton swabs). Moreover new sectors are growing outside biodegradability, driven by improved technical performances versus traditional materials, as in the case of bio fillers for tires.The market of starch-based bio plastics in 2001 has been estimated at about 30000ton/year, with a strong incidence of soluble foams for packaging and films. Bio plastics from renewable origin, either biodegradable or non-biodegradable, still constitute a niche market which requires high efforts in the areas of material and application development; the technical and economical breakthroughs achieved in the last three years, however, open new possibilities for such products in the mass markets and specifically in the food packaging. The presentation will review the recent industrial achievements of bio plastics taking in consideration their in-use performances, biodegradation behavior, environmental impact and legislative attention.Cassava starch as an effective component for Ideal Biodegradable Plastic: Daryl S. RomeroInventions have evolved and continue to evolve such that after several years of study, research and experimentation reach great developments. With continuing efforts to investigate the constituents of Philippine plants, we have pursued investigation of starch of the cassava plant (Manihot esculenta). Cassava tubers were gathered, ground and squeezed to extract starch. Starch obtained was weighed and divided into three equal parts; 80 grams in T1, T2 and T3.Treatments also consisted of 60 ml plastic resin glue and resin with 50 grams of flour catalyst for T1, 100 grams for T2and 150 grams in T3. The components in every treatment were mixed, stirred and then poured in silk screen with oil and then sun-dried. Test for capacity to carry weight indicated T3 as the best. For its ability to hold water, all products passed but for biodegradability, T1 gave the best results. The tensile and bending properties had been tested using the Universal Testing Machine and Analysis showed that T3 had the greatest tensile strength while T2 had the greatest bending property. Using ANOVA single Factor, results showed that there was significant difference among the three treatments in bending and tensile strength. However, for biodegradability test there was no significant difference. The final phase of the study determined the effectiveness of cassava starch as component of biodegradable plastic. Results confirmed that cassava starch is ideal as tests proved its worth

METHODOLOGYMaterialsThe materials used in the study were categorized according to their usage. The Independent variables were the glycerol and vinegar while the dependent variables were the starch and water.Devices manipulated were graduated cylinder, beakers, ruler, and measuring spoons. Laboratory apparatuses utilized were stirring rod, mortar and pestle, funnel were borrowed from the BSU-SLS Chemistry Laboratory. Other implements such as plates, glasses and strainer were borrowed from the BSU-SLS Food department. And other materials such as grater, knife, and gloves were supplied by the researchers.

Table 1. FormulasFormula 1Formula 2Formula 3

Starch1 tbsp.1.5 tbsp.2tbsp.

Water60 ml60 ml60 ml

Lemon2 tsp.2 tsp.2 tsp.

Glycerol1 tsp.1 tsp.1 tsp.

Polyvinyl Acetate Resin Glue15 ml20 ml25 ml

ProceduresPreparation of MaterialsThe glycerol was obtained from the Department of Chemistry of Benguet State University while the hydrochloric acid was acquired in the BSU-SLS Chemistry Laboratory. The lemon and Galiang were bought from the La Trinidad Public Market. Other materials such as measuring devices and apparatuses were borrowed from the BSU-SLS Chemistry Laboratory and BSU-SLS Food Department. Extracting the Starch The Galiang was peeled using a paring knife and was washed through a running water. Then the peeled Galiang was grated using a grater and was placed into the mortar. About 100 ml of water was added to the mortar, and the Galiang was grinded carefully. The Galiang-water mixture was pour through the strainer into the funnel, to avoid spillage, then finally into the beaker, leaving the Galiang behind the strainer. Then the grinding and pouring of the mixture was repeated twice more. Then the mixture was left overnight to let the starch settle in the beaker.The water was decanted from the beaker, leaving behind the white starch that has settled in the bottom. About 50 ml of water was put in with the starch and was stirred using a stirring rod. The mixture was left for 2 hours to settle and then the water was decanted, leaving the starch behind. The slurry starch was sun dried.

Making the Plastic sheetIn order to determine the right combination, three batches with different proportions were prepared.T1 =1 tbsp. of starch, 60 ml of water, 2 tsp. of lemon, 1 tsp. of glycerol, 15 ml resin glueT2 =1.5 tbsp. of starch, 60 ml of water, 2 tsp. of lemon, 1 tsp. of glycerol, 20 ml resin glueT3 =2 tbsp. of starch, 60 ml of water, 2 tsp. of lemon, 1 tsp. of glycerol, 25 ml resin glueMeasured amounts of the ingredients were added everything to the pot. The hot plate was turn on to medium and the mixture was stirred until it turns from cloudy white to clear, until a sticky paste was formed. Then the heat was turned up a little and was stirred rapidly until it was completely clear. Then the mixture was quickly poured onto the cooling sheet, and was spread to let it dry. Preparation for the testsThe plastic sheets formed were rolled into the laminating machine to create an even thinness for testing. Then the samples produced were cut into strips with the dimension of 2cm and 4cm.Testing the Plastic SheetsSeveral tests were conducted to determine the mechanical properties of the samples.

1. Effects of strong acids The plastic strips were immersed in concentrated hydrochloric acid for 30 minutes. Changes in length, width and appearance were noted. The purpose of this is to determine if the treatments can be dissolve in strong acids like Hydrochloric acid.2. Tensile testThe plastic strips were hooked to a spring balance and were pulled until they tore apart. The readings on the spring balance when the strips broke were recorded. The purpose of this is to determine the treatments durability or resilience. 3 Organic solvent testsThe plastic strips were immersed in ethanol for 48 hours. Changes in appearance were noted. The purpose of this is to determine if the treatments can be dissolved in organic solvent like ethanol.4. Biodegradable testThe plastic strips were stapled to a piece of cardboard and was buried in a can of soil. The strips were unearthed after a week and their appearance were recorded. The purpose of this is to determine if the treatments can degrade in the soil.5. Water ResistanceThe plastic strips were immersed in water for 5 days. Changes in appearance was observed and noted. The purpose of this is to determine if the treatments can resist water.RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONThis Section presents the finding derived from the data gathered. It also includes the interpretation and discussion of these findings.Table 2. Results in the Water resistance test, Biodegradable test, Tensile Stress test, Strong Acid test and Organic Solvent Test.TreatmentsTests

Water resistanceBiodegradableTensileStrong AcidOrganic Solvent (Ethyl Alcohol)

Experimental

Treatment 1SoftenedBroke down into pieces4.25 cmTotally dissolveBecame brittle and shrunk by 2.5 mm

Treatment 2SoftenedBroke down into pieces3.5 cm0.44 cm2Became brittle and shrunk by 1.5 mm

Treatment 3SoftenedBroke down into pieces3 cm1 cm2Became brittle and shrunk by 1 mm

Controls

Treatment 0.1UnchangedUnchanged7.5 cm8 cm2Unchanged

Treatment 0.2UnchangedUnchanged9 cm8 cm2Unchanged

The data in Table 1 shows that the Control Treatments have the Positive results in Water resistance and Tensile stress while the Experimental Treatments have the Positive results in Biodegradable, Strong Acid and Organic Solvents tests.Table 3. Tensile StressTENSILE STRESS

TreatmentsRepetitionsTotal

123

Experimental

Treatment 14 cm4.5 cm4 cm4.17 cm3

Treatment 23 cm3. 75 cm3.25 cm3.33 cm4

Treatment 33 cm2.75 cm3.25 cm3 cm5

Controls

Treatment 0.17.25 cm8 cm7 cm7.42 cm2

Treatment 0.29 cm9.5 cm9.25 cm9.25 m1

In the Tensile Stress Test, Treatment 0.2: Commercial Plastic cover is the best treatment, with the measurement of 9.25 cm, followed by treatment 0.1: Commercial Plastic bag with 7.42 cm then lastly treatment 1 with 4.17 cm

Table 4. Reaction to Strong AcidsEFFECTS OF STRONG ACIDS

TreatmentsRepetitionsTotal

123

Experimental

Treatment 10 cm20 cm20 cm20 cm21

Treatment 20.25 cm20.56 cm20.5 cm20.44 cm22

Treatment 30.75 cm21.5 cm20.75 cm21 cm23

Controls

Treatment 0.18 cm28 cm28 cm28 cm24

Treatment 0.28 cm28 cm28 cm28 cm24

In the Strong Acid Test, Hydrochloric Acid. Treatment 1 is the best treatment, which was dissolved completely, followed by treatment 2 with the area of 0.44 cm2, then lastly treatment 3 with 1cm2 areas.In the organic solvent all experimental treatments became brittle and shrunk slightly by 2.5mm, 1 mm and 0.5 mm respectively. As for the control treatments both were unchanged.In the Water Resistance Test, Treatment 0.1 and Treatment 0.2 were unchanged while Treatments 1, 2 and 3 broke down into smaller pieces. In this test, the Control Treatments have positive results making it water resistant while the Experimental treatments were water-soluble.In the Biodegradable test, the treatments were unburied from the soil. The Control treatments were unchanged while the Experimental treatments were softened and broke down into pieces.SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONSSummary And ConclusionsThe Galiang plant has the potential to serve as an alternative in making plastics but not as effective as the control in some cases.1. In the Tensile Stress Test the top 3 were Treatment 0.2: Plastic cover is the best treatment, with the measurement of 9.25 cm, followed by treatment 0.1: Plastic bag with 7.42 cm then lastly treatment 1 with 4.17 cm 2. In the Strong Acid Test, Hydrochloric Acid. Treatment 1 is the best treatment, which was dissolved completely, followed by treatment 2 with the area of 0.44 cm2, then lastly treatment 3 with 1cm2 areas.3. In the Organic Solvent Test, Ethyl Alcohol. Treatments 1, 2 and three became brittle, making it easy to be torn while treatments 0.1 and 0.2 were unchanged.4. In the Water Resistance Test. Treatment 0.1: Plastic Bag and Treatment 0.2: Plastic Cover were the best treatments making them water-resistant, while treatments 1, 2 and 3 are water-soluble.5. In the Biodegradable Test. Treatments 1, 2 and three have positive results making them biodegradable, treatment 1 had the most successful results followed by treatment 2 then treatment 3 while control 0.1 and 0.2 remain unchanged.Favorable results were obtained in the Strong Acid Test. The samples were found to be water-soluble. However, the samples would not dissolve in ethanol, an organic solvent as for the tensile stress the treatments. All the experimental treatments were biodegradable.It is therefore concluded that the Galiang plant may be used as an additive in making biodegradable plastic.RECOMMENDATIONSIt is recommended by the researchers to:1. Use a binder for better tensile test results.2. Use different plasticizers which are not water-soluble.3. Use other additives for even better results.4. Conduct further studies in accordance to the information gathered in this research to the uses of Galiang starch.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Production of Biodegradable Plastic from Squash Starch, Kathleen Hazel Lansang Montemayor2. Biodegradable Plastic From Cassava (Manihot Esculenta) Starch3. Bioplastic from starch: an economically and enviromentally sustainable reality, C. Bastioli, M. Versari, Novamont Spa, Novara, Italy4. Cassava starch as an effective component for Ideal Biodegradable Plastic: Daryl S. Romero5. www.wikipedia.com6. http://green-plastics.net/discussion7. http://www.edu-sciece.com/2012/08/biodegradable-plastic-from-cassava8. http://agroforestry.net/scps9. Other web and book sources

APPENDICESAppendix 1Figure 1. Flow Chart in Conducting the Study

1

22

Appendix 2

Figure 1. Extracted Galiang Starch

Figure 2. Measuring of Ingredients

Figure 3. Making of Plastic

Figure 4. Measuring the Plastic

Figure 5. Treatments 1,2 and 3

Figure 6. Organic Solvent Test

Figure 6 Water Resistance Test

Figure 7. Strong Acid Test

Figure 8. Tensile Test

Figure 9. Preparation for Biodegradable Test