Aloe Vera Extract as Substitute for Glycerin in Making Bioplastic

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The use of plastic has been increasing for the past years and most of them become waste in our ecosystem. These waste plastics cause serious environmental problems such as pollution. In this study, the researchers tried to improve an already active solution in reducing plastic wastes, which is bioplastic. This study includes the incorporation of aloe vera extract in the making of bioplastic since it contains latex, a plastic generating material.

METHODS

In making the bioplastic, the first step done was to gather the ingredients. The ingredients were mixed in the cooking pan and were stirred until the mixture became sticky. The heat was turned off and it was stirred for one minute then it was placed in a container and was left to dry. A test for the odor and color of the product was done with the use of rating scales. The cost was computed by adding the value of the materials used. The durability of the product was tested with the use of a spring balance. T-test was also used in comparing for the properties off the said product with the commercialized product.

RESULTS

The tests done to the product showed very promising results. After the testing of the properties, the odor of the product was concluded to be odorless and is similar to the commercialized bioplastic. The color of the product was concluded to have a light green color. The tests for durability show that the aloe vera bioplastic can only withstand up to 9.5 N before breaking while the commercial product can withstand up to 20 N before breaking. Lastly, the computed cost of the product was found to be more economical than the commercialized product.

DISCUSSIONS

The results show that aloe vera extract has the potential to be turned into bioplastic. There were no differences between the experimental and commercialized product in terms of odor and color. In addition, the product was more economical than the commercial one. Although the study was a success the researchers still have recommendations to improve the product. The researchers would like future researchers to try different types of aloe plant in making the product, different ratios are also recommended in order to see which one will yield the mostdurable bioplastic. The test for the shelf life of the product is also recommended.