FICA POTS (Potential Use of Fish Scales and Cassava Starch for Biodegradable Plastic Pots Production)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Fish scales are removed before cooking and are just left-behind in the market after buying. Markets are then filled with undisposed fish scales giving these places bad odor and turning them into filthy environments. With this, the researcher explored the use of fish scales and cassava starch as raw materials in pottery which may help the markets’ disposal of fish scales. The researcher aims to reduce the use of plastics through bioplastics made from fish scales and cassava starch.

METHODS

The researcher collected fish scales from the fish sellers in the market and dried them naturally under the sun. Once completely dried, the researcher dyed the fish scales and dried it again. While drying the fish scale, the researcher prepared the cassava starch by grating and drying the cassava tubers. After pouring some water, the researcher mixed the cassava paste with the dried fish scale then used a plastic pot as mold and used pressure for the scales to fit in the shape. After it followed the shape, the researcher separated the plastic pot and the fish scale pot.

RESULTS

The researcher found out that the cassava starch mixed with the dried fish scale were proven effective as alternative raw materials in pottery. Having enough time to dry the scales and with the proper amount of fish scales and cassava starch, the fish scale pot can hold soil for plants. Having the fish scale dried and exposed to heat, it released calcium making it sticky and able to follow the form of the mold. The researcher has proven that the fish scale pot was a good way to dispose of fish scales. With this study, the problems of disposing the fish scales in the market will be solved. This also lessens the use of synthetic materials.

DISCUSSIONS

The researcher found a solution and resolved two problems faced by the country. First, the large amount of fish scales improperly disposed at the markets or at home after cleaning the fish. The fish sellers may have extra income for making fish scale pots. This may be a good business for someone interested in starting one. This study can also serve as a key for other researchers to discover other things to lessen the use of synthetic materials. The people will have a way of avoiding the usage of synthetic materials which continuously cause the destruction of the environment.