Productionof Bio-Based Plastic made from Cassava Peel (Manihot esculenta) Reinforced with Chitin Derived from Golden Apple Snail (Pomacea maculate)and Glycerinas Plasticizer

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The abundance of plastic isomers brought a huge impact on the planet. According to World Economic Forum (2018), in 2015, over 320 million tons of polymers, excluding fibers, were manufactured across the globe. Few commercial applications exist for bio plastics. In principle, they could replace manyapplications for petroleum-derived plastics. However, previous versions of bio plastics, although rigid and absorbent, are still brittle"”this pushed the investigator to produce an innovative plastic made from cassava peel, added with chitin derived from snails, and glycerin which acts as a plasticizer. Hoping that through deep theoretical works and experiment, this product could be used in the industry in the near future solving the Philippines' problem concerning mismanaged plastic wastes.

METHODS

The first stage of the research is the extraction of chitin from Golden Apple Snail (Pomacea maculate) which consists of Preparation, Deproteinisation, Demineralisation, Deacetylation and Drying. Upon the preparation of the bio-based plastic, the investigator prepared the extracted chitin, glycerin, fined cassava peel and water. The mixture was then treated in a cooking pot. After drying, the samples produced were cut into 1-inch-by-2-inch strips for testing.

RESULTS

The experimental design of this product is better when the bioplastic is reinforced with glycerin, thus, this key material served as a binder, which promotes durability. The organic plastic was made possible using chitosan from snail, and mainstay from cassava, which are both agricultural waste and cost effective. The commercial plastic still have a greater tensile strength compared to the produced organic film. Conversely, the bio plastic on flammability test lasted longer compared to polyethylene. When the organic plastic was tested andevaluated, the results showed that water-resistant coating reduced the H2O absorption of the hydrophilic starch.

DISCUSSIONS

The results of the study indicate that future researchers should find more ways to make the product more durable as compared to commercial plastic, such as to find a biodegradable coating to certify that all of the materials are organic. Furthermore, the addition of Polyvinyl Alcohol and Epoxydized Soya bean oil (ESBO) as binders are the significant factors in the success of the innovation.