The Utilization of Purple Yam (Dioscorea alata) and Taro (Colocasia esculenta) Peelings Starch as Biopolymer in Producing Biodegradable Films

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Due to the occurrence of environmental and health problems caused by non-biodegradable plastics, bioplastics were introduced which enables manufacturers to produce plastics made from raw materials that will not pollute and harm the environment. In this study, the remaining starch from the peelings of Purple Yam (Dioscorea alata) and Taro (Colocasia esculenta) that is widely cultivated in the country, was used as biopolymer in producing biodegradable plastic sheets to lessen the pollution and to attain a sustainable environment.

METHODS

The materials such as purple yam and taro peelings were gathered from areas of San Pablo City namely Brgy San Marcos and Brgy. San Cristobal. Other necessary materials such as glycerin, acetic acid, water and measuring cups were provided by the researchers. The gathered peelings were thoroughly washed to remove remaining soil and dirt before obtaining the starch. Three set-ups were produced with a varying ratio of starch and plasticizer used (3;1, 6:1, 9:1) with a constant amount of acetic acid and water used. In the control group, the standard plastic was used. The peeled 2cm-radius sheets had undergone water solubility testing that lasted for 90 mins where the initial and resulting final amount of solvent used were recorded and statistically analyzed using One Way ANOVA.

RESULTS

In the three sets of the water solubility test where a total of 150mL of water was added and the films were submerged for a total of 90 minutes. Set-up C replicates got the highest average percentage of solubility 1.0208% while in the control treatment no changes in the measurement of solvent was observed having a 0% solubility percentage.

DISCUSSIONS

Set up C with 45mL of purple yam and taro peelings starch has the best quality of films produced and had the highest solubility percentage in the solvent and the statistical analysis of the results stated that there is a significant difference between the experimental and control group.