First City Providential College

Brgy. Narra, Francisco Homes Subdivision, City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan

A Comparative Study on the Effectiveness of Potato Starch

(Solanum Tuberosum) and Milk as an Alternative Element
for Biodegradable Plastic
A Research Paper Presented to First City Providential College

In Partial Fulfilment to the requirements for the subject:

Research in Daily Life 2

Research conducted by:

del Rosario, Angeline Faye A.

Grade 12 – STEM 4

Submitted to:
Teacher Ron Rille Dela Merced
Research Adviser

Academic Year 2019-2020

 INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Plastics are synthetic materials that became essential in society’s daily living. Plastics
became the major source of things such as packaging, utensils, and even electronics or gadgets. It
is a very versatile component in manufacturing different products that are being used and
benefited today. Plastics are lightweight, water-resistant, flexible, and durable in some ways.
That is why it is widely used in manufacturing or developing products. Plastics are materials
made by humans; it is a synthetic material made from polymers. Plastics are extremely useful
and a very popular material. However, with continuous use it will cause problems to the
environment and continue to increase pollution. (Woodford, 2019)

Plastics are widely used by many anywhere in the world. Plastics that are non-
biodegradable or synthetic plastics are most likely to have negative effects to the environment.
(Parker, 2019) stated that plastic pollution is one of the environmental issues that the world is
facing. Its numbers are increasing as time goes by, this kind of pollution is very noticeable.
According to unenvironment.org plastics releases harmful chemicals to soil that causes damaging
effects to the environment or the soil itself. Plastic pollution is a worldwide issue that can cause
damage and with continuous use, it can make a severe harm to the environment.

Bioplastic is a product that is made from renewable resources, it is a biodegradable

plastic material that can be used in a way that traditional synthetic plastics are used
(activesustainability.com, 2005). Bioplastics are natural made material that can help reduce
pollution in the environment and help solve other environmental problems. According to
(Gibbens, 2018) Bioplastics are plastics created with the use of plants or other materials that are
naturally produced.

Potatoes and milk are one of the natural materials that can be used in producing
bioplastics. (Törnqvist, 2020) stated that bioplastics can be made from potato (Solanum
tuberosum). It is also known as potato plastics that usually consists potato starch and water
(Hydrogen Di Oxide/H2O) its process is done by mixing and heating the two materials.
Bioplastic can be made from potato starch, however it is not enough in producing one. It needs
plasticizing agents such as glycerin and acetic acid. According to (Shelley, 2018) Milk plastic or
also known as casein plastic are being in consideration for many years because of if being made
with renewable resources or natural ingredients that is not harmful for the environment. Making
bioplastic from milk or lactose are only composed of simple steps such as steaming, adding
vinegar, draining and forming. Casein bioplastic is produced by a process similar to cheese
making which an acid is added to milk.
 This research is significant to product developers and consumers of products like plastics.
This will help both producers and consumers to know the difference between traditional
synthetic plastics and bioplastics. Also, to help solve some environmental issues such a plastic
pollution or pollution in many forms. This study aims to produce and provide alternative product
that is environment-friendly and can be easily decomposed without harming the environment. In
addition, to provide information and awareness to consumers the benefits of bioplastics to the
environment.

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Plastics are essential in one’s life. It is widely used for packaging, bottles, containers and
bags that carries things. However, plastics are threat to the environment. It is a non-
biodegradable object that can harm ruin the environment. On the other hand, according to
(Marichelvam, et al) there is a thing called biodegradable plastics or also called as bioplastics,
these can be made from starch, cellulose, chitosan and protein which are extracted from
renewable resources. In addition, more or less 50% of the bioplastics are and can be prepared
from starch. It is the simplest production to make bioplastics.
According to the European Bioplastics organization, bioplastics are determined as the
renewable plastic-based resources. It is used in an increased number of markets, as packaging,
products, and many more. Bioplastics are biodegradable it can be made from vegetable oil,
starch, fibers, leaves and such. As stated by (Ozdamar and Ates, 2018) bioplastics are very
sustainable and really compatible for the environment. Bioplastics are not just biodegradable; it
is safe for the environment and it will help the environment to be less polluted in the next years.
Bioplastics can be made from starch. Starch is a polysaccharide that can be extracted in corns,
rice, potatoes and such. Starch is an organic, natural and non-toxic material that can be used to
produce bioplastics.
Bioplastics’ major source is starch. It is a renewable and widely available product or raw
material. Glycerine is added to the formulation and process of starch-based plastics. Glycerine is
a colorless, odorless and viscous liquid that has a sweet taste and is non-toxic. It makes
bioplastics more flexible and acts at the plasticizer in producing a bioplastic. (Park, et al., 2002)
According to (Ozdamar and Ates, 2018) Potato starch is capable of producing and an
excellent resource for the formation of bioplastic. Using starch-based products or bioplastics are
expeditious in production or when developing products. Starch is used raw and with vinegar to
produce the bioplastics. The vinegar will act as the bonding agents for the different materials that
is used to make the bioplastics and to make it all put together.
Glucose or starch is processed to produce some polyesters like Poly Hydroxy alkanoates
(PHA’s) and Poly Hydroxy burate (PHB) are extracted using solvents like propylene chloride
and chloroform (Koller & Owen, 1996). According to (Demirgöz et al., 2000) starch is modified
by plasticization or blended with other materials, chemically or genetically. Optical and tensile tests
affect starch’s concentration. However, albumen/starch-base biopolymers can be a biodegradable
alternative to oil-based plastic in making and formulating plastics.
 Biodegradable plastics or bioplastics can be made with the use of starch. Starch has
properties to make plastic packaging that is nontoxic to the environment. Bioplastics are
alternative products on packaging and such to lessen pollution and environmental problems.
Starch from corns, rice and potatoes is a promising component to formulate and produce
bioplastics.
According to (Morgan, 2021), Milk contains countless molecules of a protein known as
casein. Each casein molecule is a monomer and a chain of casein monomers is a polymer. The
polymer can be scooped up and molded, which is why plastic made from milk is called casein
plastic. The process of producing Milk-based bioplastic is called polymerization.
Protein can be extracted from milk and it is called casein. Casein is the material needed to
make bioplastic. Through simple steps and process, casein can be transformed into a plastic like
material. The process in making and producing milk-based biodegradable blactic is almost the
same as creating a dairy cheese product, wherein acid or vinegar is mixed to it. (Silva, 2016)
Bioplastic made from milk, specifically casein has a rubber like texture where it can be
much stronger and better than other material based bioplastics. The material called casein is
unique material when it comes to its components and the easy process of creating the bioplastic.
The process is heating and adding acid or vinegar to the mixture.
Stated by (Moncel, 2020), Vinegar is a liquid form of acid that is produced through
fermentation of ethanol. It is an aqueous solution of acetic acid. Vinegar is used in producing
starch-based bioplastic because when starch and acid or vinegar is mixed it makes a fiber like
texture and becomes rubbery which is a component of a plastic. It also acts as the mixer of the
materials used in production because it puts it all together to be as one.
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

The Theory of Change

(Weiss, 1995)

The process of producing bioplastics or other environmental friendly products

that came from renewable resources can have a huge impact on changing the
environmental issues and situations.

A Comparative Study on the Effectiveness of Potato Starch and Milk as an

Alternative Element for Biodegradable Plastic

The Theory of Change was developed by Carol Weiss in 1995. This term was made
popular by Weiss because she described the Theory of Change as a guide for having and making
simple steps that can lead to a long-term change. Producing naturally made and environment-
friendly bioplastics, can contribute to this long-term change needed for the environment. The
Theory of change was said to be the links between the process and outcomes to achieve the long-
term goals or changes. (managementcentre.co, 2017)
This framework focuses on the changes towards the innovation and production of eco-
friendly products. Also, the implementation of using naturally made products that can help the
environment’s sustainability and health. The Theory of Change will be a guide in conducting and
achieving the goals or aim of the study on bioplastics.
 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

INDEPENDENT
 Review of Related Literature PROCESS DEPENDENT
 Review of Related Studies Heating and mixing
 Theory of Change potatoes/potato peels and Evaluating the difference and
water (H2O). Filtering to producing a biodegradable
1) Starch from potato peels
get the starch residue. plastic and testing the
2) Casein from milk And mixing with acetic effectiveness of the product
3) Other plastic ingredients: acid to form a
biodegradable plastic.
-Water (H2O)
Steaming of milk and
- Glycerin adding acid.
- Vinegar

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of potato starch, glycerin and acetic acid as
alternative elements in making a biodegradable plastic. The study has different variables.
The independent variable are the elements that would determine the outcome or result of
the study. The independent variables in the study are the potato starch, water (H2O), glycerin,
milk or casein and acetic acid which is the vinegar.
The dependent variable would be the outcome of the study on the action and reaction
made on the independent variable. And the outcome of the study is creating a biodegradable
plastic and testing its effectiveness.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The main objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of Potato Starch
and Milk or Casein as an alternative element in making bioplastic and to create a good
alternative to synthetic plastics that will help and contribute to the environment. And
also, to advertise the use of bio-products that is environment friendly that can help lessen
pollution and provide better living for the society.

Specifically, this study will achieve the following objectives:

1. Evaluate the difference between Potato Starch and Casein-based bioplastics.
2. Determine if bioplastics from potato starch and milk or casein are the same or as
flexible as synthetic or traditional plastics in terms of:
I. Durability
II. Biodegradability

HYPOTHESIS
By using Potato (solanum tuberosum) Starch and Casein (casein micelles) as alternative
elements, it should be effective in coming up with a biodegradable plastic using different
measurement and ratios of Potato Starch and Casein, concerning the durability, flexibility and
biodegradability. The rest of the components are in constant measurements in each trial.
Alternative Hypothesis (Ha)
There is a significant difference between the durability of Potato Starch and Casein-based
bioplastic.
There is a significant difference between the biodegradability of Potato Starch and
Casein-based bioplastic.

Null Hypothesis (H0)
There is no significant difference between the durability of Potato Starch and Casein-
based bioplastic.
There is no significant difference between the biodegradability of Potato Starch and
Casein-based bioplastic.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This research entitled “ A Comparative Study on the Effectiveness of Potato Starch and
Milk as an Alternative Element for Biodegradable Plastic” is significant to the following:

Consumers, This study will give knowledge to the users that bio-plastics will do no harm
to the environment. And it will give the buyers the chance to help lesson pollution and give care
for the environment because bio-plastics can be disposed easier than traditional synthetic ones.
This study will make users choose and avail bio-plastics on market.

Companies, This study will help businesses and/or companies to provide and
manufacture products that are eco-friendly such as bio-plastics that people will support and
acknowledge. It will help company owners to have a business that is essential to people’s
everyday living. In Addition, bio-plastics are naturally made and it is from organic and
renewable resources.

Future Generation, This study benefits the future generation because bio-plastics are eco-
friendly and it will help reduce the pollution and will bring back life to the environment. It will
help provide more years of living and give knowledge to the future that the environment is
important.

Future Researchers, This will help future researchers by having a source for their research
related to the study and will have more knowledge about producing bio-plastics from potato-
based starch and casein.

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

This study aims to provide a biodegradable plastic that will be beneficial for the people as
consumers and also for the status of the environment. This will be conducted from the month of
November 2020 to February 2020 at Block 18 Lot 5 Phase-K, Barangay Yakal, Francisco
Homes, San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan. This research only focuses on how to produce bio-
plastics. Also, to enumerate the risks of traditional plastics if not eliminated. It limits its study to
the testing other possible materials to be used in the experiment.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Pollution - it is the effect of harmful materials or chemicals from the surroundings.
Sustainable - a term used if a thing or a product is able to be maintained in a certain period of
time or longer.
Synthetic - product made by chemical synthesis, to copy another product that is naturally made.
Glycerin - a colorless, odorless liquid that is viscous. It does not have any taste and is non-toxic.
Casein - A dairy protein that is found in milk or lactose.
Albumen - clear liquid with a slimey texture that can be found in an egg, also known as egg
white.
Acetic Acid - a colorless liquid, also called as ethanoic acid in vinegar that can be used in
producing plastics.
Bioplastic - short term for biodegradable plastic. Platics that are produced with natural and
renewable resources that are biodegradable and less harmful for the environment.
Polyester - a group of polymers. Specifically, synthetic fibers that are used to make synthetic
materials.
Polysaccharide - a large particle made of monosaccharides. Monosaccharides are simple sugars,
for example Glucose.
Fermentation - a process of changing carbohydrates to alcohol, with the use of yeast.
 CHAPTER II
METHODOLOGY

A. Methods of Research
This research study is about Comparing the Effectiveness of Potato starch and Casein as
alternative elements in producing a biodegradable plastic. This study used experimental -
quantitative research as a method.

An experimental research uses both experimental approach and statistical analysis in getting
the quantitative data. It involves comparison between experimental and systematic assessment of
quantities that aims to determine the relation between the independent and dependent variables.

In this study, there are two different variables which are the dependent and independent
variables. The dependent variable are the potato starch, casein from milk, glycerin and acetic
acid or the vinegar which are the elements. And the independent variable are the making of
biodegradable plastic, testing and comparing its effectiveness.

B. Research Design

This study made use of Completely Randomized Design (CRD), in such case the treatments
are assigned randomly to the experimental subject without restriction.

The subject of the study is the main element or material to be used in the experiment. This
material is also called at the experimental unit. The experimental unit may be subjected to
different treatments depending on the objectives of the study.

The subject or the experimental unit of this study is the Potato starch. The potato starch is
subjected to a treatment where it is heated and mixed with Glycerin and Acetic Acid. The Casein
was found from milk and its process is steaming the milk and adding acid or vinegar to produce a
biodegradable plastic or bioplastic and be an alternative material.

In this study, the independent variable is most likely to be a factor that is allowed by the
researcher to be change or vary, while other variables are restrained and constant.
 Trial 2 Trial 3

Result 1 Result 3

Figure 1. Different Volumes of Glycerine

Trial 2 Trial 3

Result 1 Result 3

Figure 2. Different Volumes of Vinegar

CONTROLLED
SAMPLE

Positive Sample Negative Sample

Commercial Plastic Soil

C. Research Setting

This study was conducted at Block 5 Lot 18 Brgy. Yakal Francisco Homes City of San Jose
del Monte, Bulacan.

D. Data Gathering Procedure

The making of a biodegradable plastics or bioplastics consists of various steps. It is a step-

by-step process to come up with a result.

The first step is heating a part of water (H 2O) together with potatoes or potato peels. This
step is significant to the process because this will be the step where starch will be collected. The
next is filtering the heated mixture. It is important to filter the mixed solution to separate it to the
excess liquid and the starch residue will remain. Afterwards mix the starch residue to the
glycerin that acts as plasticizer and to the acetic acid.

The process on making bioplastics from milk is steaming and adding of vinegar to form
curbs, that curbs will be molded into the wanted shape of the bioplastic. The measurements vary
from 1 tsp to 1 tbsp and 1 cup.

E. Data Gathering Instruments

This research study is conducted with the use of an experiment as an research instrument.
The researcher prepared materials or resources. Observed, followed and performed steps in
creating a biodegradable platics with the use of Potato starch, Water, Glycerin, Milk and Acetic
Acid.

F. Statistical Analysis of Data

All data are collected, arranged and processed through experimentation and gathered data
are treated statistically. The statistical treatment used for this study is T-test statistics to
determine if there are difference between the results and measurements. The formulae are listed
below:

( χ − μ¿ (X ι− x)
t=
s √
√ n s= ∑
n −1
 Where t is the test score, x is the sample mean, s is the standard deviation, n is the
sample size, and Xi is the individual scores of the sample.

CHAPTER III

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS OF THE STUDY

All the data processed in the study are discussed in this chapter through analysis,

interpretation, and presentation to show the comparison on the effectiveness of potato starch
and milk as an alternative element in producing bioplastic through its durability and
biodegradability.

FINDINGS
1.1 Durability Test
The researcher tested the durability and tensile strength of both Potato starch and milk
based bioplastics.

TRIALS SAMPLE 1 SAMPLE 2

Potato (Solanum Tuberosum)-
Milk Casein- Bioplastic
Starch Bioplastic (g) (g)

FIRST TRIAL 118 240

LAST TRIAL 320 400

The durability of both potato starch-based and milk casein-based bioplastics are tested by
putting weights on them to find out the maximum weight limit and strength of both bioplastic.
Based on the test, it was determined that milk casein-based bioplastic is the most durable and
tensile among the two. It is because of the second or last trial made that the milk bioplastic is the
most durable and the potato starch bioplastic’s first trial is the weakest. In conclusion, the milk-
casein bioplastic is more durable and tensile between the two compared to the potato starch
bioplastic.
 Comparison of the Durability and Tensile strength of commercial plastic to potato
starch and milk bioplastic.
Commercial Plastic (kg)

1.2 Biodegradability Test

The researcher tested the biodegradability of the potato starch and milk based bioplastics
by knowing the weight before and after burying in the soil for a number of days or a week.

Potato (Solanum Tuberosum)-Starch Bioplastic

TRIALS W0 W
(weight in grams before (weight in grams after Weight loss (%)
buried in the soil) buried in the soil)

Trial 1 3.5 3 16.67%

Trial 2 3.5 2 42.86%

In this table, first trial has a weight loss of 16.67% while the second trial has a weight
loss of 42.86%. Both have the same result of having a weight loss after the test.

Milk-Casein Bioplastic
TRIALS W0 W
(weight in grams before (weight in grams after Weight loss (%)
buried in the soil) buried in the soil)

Trial 1 4 3 25%
Trial 2 4 4 0
 Both trials one and two does not experience any weight loss after a week of being buried
in the soil.
Commercial Plastic
W0 W
(weight in grams before (weight in grams after buried in Weight loss (%)
buried in the soil) the soil)

3 3 0

In this table, there is no change in the plastic’s weight before and after buried in the soil.

The formula that was used for computing the area of the sample is listed below:
((W0-W)/W0)x100

Data Analysis and Interpretation

A. Rank & Percentile Analysis
Where:
PBP = Potato Bioplastic
MBP= Milk Bioplastic
A.1 Durability Test

Trials Durability% Point Durability% Rank Percent

PBP (1) 118g 4 400g 1 100%

PBP (2) 320g 2 320g 2 80.00%

MBP (1) 240g 3 240g 3 50.00%

MBP (2) 400g 1 118g 4 25.00%

 In this table, the durability of the bioplastics were tested the second trial of the milk
bioplastic ranked the highest because it holds up to 400g of weight and the first trial ranked
second. The trials of the potato starch ranked third and fourth because it holds less weight.
A.2 Biodegradability Test Result

Trials Bio% Point Bio% Rank Percent

PBP (1) 16.67% 3 42.86% 1 100.00%

PBP (2) 42.86% 1 25.00% 2 75.00%

MBP (1) 25% 2 16.67% 3 50.00%

MBP (2) 0 4 0 4 0.00%

Both trials and samples of the potato starch bioplastic are the highest in rank. While, the
first trial of the milk bioplastic ranked third and the second trial ranked last. In this
biodegradability test, the potato starch bioplastic biodegrades faster than the milk bioplastic

Chapter IV
Summary of Findings, Conclusions, and Recommendations
Summary of Findings
The findings of this study are hereby presented:
The researcher made two different sets for each bioplastic. Two different measurements
for both potato starch and milk bioplastics. The first set of trial for the potato starch was made
with 1 and a half cup of water, 2 potatoes for the peels, 2 teaspoons of glycerin and a table spoon
of vinegar. The second trial was made with a cup of water, 2 potatoes for the peels, 1 table spoon
of glycerin and vinegar. For the milk bioplastic, the researcher made the first trial with 1 cup of
milk and 4 table spoon of vinegar. The second or last trial was made with 1 and half cup of milk
and 3 table spoon of vinegar. Both sets of the bioplastics were tested for biodegradability and
durability.
Based on the results and the ranking, potato-starch bioplastics are more biodegradable
and faster to biodegrade than milk bioplastics. However, milk bioplastics are more durable and
tensile among the two, it can hold up more weight than potato starch bioplastics.
Conclusion
Based on the result of the study:
The potato-starch bioplasic is much effective in terms of being a biodegradable plastic
than the milk based one. However, in terms of producing and implementing the use of bioplastics
in the society, it is more likely to use the milk bioplastic because it biodegrades slower than the
potato starch based plastics. A commercial plastic can be used for a long time and can hold up
heavy weights and the milk bioplastic can be compared to it.
In the Durability test, the highest ranking bioplastic was from the samples of milk based
bioplastic, it can hold up even up to twice the potato starch bioplastic can. It is much convenient
and effective to be used because of the test made.
In conclusion, the potato-starch based bioplastic is an effective alternative when it comes
to being a fast biodegradable plastic that can really help the environment. On the other hand, the
milk bioplastic holds up and lives up longer that it can be a dupe for the commercial plastic.

Recommendation
It is recommended for the future researchers who will have the same study and further
study the implementation and production of biodegradable plastics to conduct more tests such as
flexibility so that the future production of bioplastics will have a good outcome and be
completely implemented to help the environmental problems and issues.
The potato-starch extraction is more effective if it is grated not only peeled to get the
most starch needed and to help the study to be successful. Different measurements can be made
for getting the best results and having the effective outcome of the experiment made.
The researcher also recommends to further study about the different uses of milk, potato,
vinegar and glycerin to know if these products or resources can have more contribution for the
better of the environment.