CHARACTERIZATION OF RICE FLOUR - BASED BIOPLASTIC: A SOLUTION

TO PLASTIC POLLUTION IN THE PHILIPPINES

ABSTRACT

In the Philippines, plastic pollution is prevalent and apart from that, Philippine local
rice farmers are in a crisis. In line with this, the researchers decided to create a bioplastic that
will not only save the country from plastic pollution, but also save the local rice farmers from
starvation. The researchers planned to use rice flour as the main ingredient in making the
bioplastic. Characterization of the said bioplastic was important in this study such as
thickness, tensile strength, water solubility and animal consumption. The rice flour bioplastic
films were prepared by means a molding technique.

The researchers concluded that increase in rice flour content causes increase in
thickness and tensile strength of these rice-flour bioplastic. In addition, a lesser rice flour
content produced more elastic bioplastic yet has weaker tensile strength. However, too much
rice content produces a brittle bioplastic which breaks easily. The researchers also concluded
that these rice flour- based bioplastic are water soluble and it also shows that increase in rice
flour content decreases its ability to be soluble in water. Moreover, these bioplastics are
consumable by scavenger animals such as shrimps and snails. Nevertheless, if these
bioplastics reached any bodies of water, it will be dissolved in water and be consumed safely
by animals, thus, preventing plastic pollution.

The result shows the possibility of rice flour to be used as bioplastic however proper
percentage of rice flour content must be used to create efficient bioplastic. With these rice-
flour based bioplastic, products to be made must not involve any liquid interaction for such it
will cause dissolution of the bioplastic. Hard plastics to be made with these bioplastics must

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contain approximately 37% rice flour content and elastic plastics have to be made must
contain 25% to 30% rice flour content for efficient use.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE ……………………………1

APPROVAL SHEET ……………………………2
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ……………………………3
ABSTRACT ……………………………4
TABLE OF CONTENTS ……………………………5
CHAPTER I – THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND
Introduction ……………………………7
Statement of the Problem ……………………………9
Significance of the Study ……………………………10
Scope and Delimitations ……………………………11
Definition of Terms ……………………………11
CHAPTER II – REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Review of Related Literature ……………………………12
CHAPTER III – METHODOLOGY
Research Design ……………………………14
Research Locale ……………………………14
Materials ……………………………15
Film Preparation ……………………………15
Bioplastic Characterization
Thickness ……………………………16
Tensile Strength ……………………………16
Solubility in Water ……………………………16
Animal Consumption ……………………………17
CHAPTER IV – RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Thickness ……………………………18
Tensile Strength ……………………………19
Solubility in Water ……………………………20
Animal Consumption ……………………………20

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CHAPTER V – CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Conclusion ……………………………21
Recommendation ……………………………22
BIBLIOGRAPHY ……………………………23
APPENDICES ……………………………26
CURRICULUM VITAE ……………………………32

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 CHAPTER I

The Problem and It’s Background

Introduction

Plastic pollution is a worldwide problem that is a product of human innovation. For

many decades now, humans are continually producing plastics that have not yet decomposed
and that are currently being a cause of pollution in the world. Inarguably, plastics have given
humans a lot of benefits and convenience in everyday lives. However, it poses a great threat
for the environment. Hence, humans started to develop ways on how to solve this plastic
crisis and one solution that arose is the usage of biodegradable plastics or bioplastics.

Bioplastic is a type of plastic that uses biological sources derivatives such as sugar
cane, potato starch or the cellulose from trees, straw and cotton to create polymer of plastic
(Bergmann et.al., 2018). Different universities conducted several research and experiments to
make a bioplastic. Cho (2017) concluded bioplastics are hard to claim to be environmentally
friendly than traditional plastics since all aspects of their life cycle are considered: land use,
pesticides and herbicides, greenhouse gas and methane emissions, biodegradability,
recyclability and more. However, this kind of plastic may play important part of the move to
a more sustainable world as researchers work together to make greener varieties and efficient
production process that will help lessen plastic pollution in the world.

But despite of how bioplastic’s benefits, it still partially failed to replace the synthetic
polymers from the market due to its durability, aesthetic purposes, easy to use, and cost
efficiency. These are plastics usually made from Nylon, Terephthalate, Polyethylene,
Polystyrene and etc. which are widely used as food packaging or certainly known as the
“single - use plastics.” Furthermore, the excessive use of non-recyclable plastics has caused
serious environmental issues specifically, the contamination of most bodies of water and
water habitats around the globe.

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 Further implementation of bioplastics promotes the use of renewable vegetable
resources which is a great alternative for polymers – plastic’s main ingredient. With this, the
development of plastics incorporating this kind of sustainable materials offers great
opportunity to the different aspects in our community such as agriculture, engineering, and
research. According to Biome Bioplastics (2011), 5% of the world’s cumulative output of
plastic since 1945 has ended up in the oceans. Shopping bags and other packaging are strewn
across the streets and fields of every country in the world. This statistics only shows that
bioplastic is an important component of global sustainability because as much as we want to
take off the use of polymer plastics, it has been part of many industrial works from small
retail outlet to huge companies. The only thing to do is to prevent its use and have control to
its rapid demand which puts lives at risk.

In the Philippines, plastic pollution is prevalent. Plastic wastes are being thrown
irresponsibly everywhere despite the many projects to prevent plastic pollution. According to
Vila (2018), the country produces 2.7 million tons of plastic waste in which twenty percent
leaks into oceans. Philippines is the third largest contributor of plastic wastes in Asia that
pollutes the oceans (McKinsey & Company, 2015). Many companies have already made
actions on solving plastic pollution in the country. On the other hand, the Petron Company
already has a campaign named "No to Single Use Plastics" which pertains about using
alternatives especially to single-use plastics. In support with this movement, many companies
now have started using bioplastics. This bioplastics are biodegradable which can no longer
pollute the environment unlike plastics, which are non-biodegradable and takes millions of
years to decompose.

Apart from that, Philippine local rice farmers are in a crisis. There are about 100
million Filipino rice farmers in the country (Dejaresco III, 2019). These Filipino rice farmers
are in trouble because of prevalence of rice imports over local rice. According to ABS-CBN
news report (2019), the Philippines had imported 2.9 M tons of rice from Vietnam and
Thailand in the year 2019. By bringing down the price of rice to 7 pesos per kilo, which is
below the 12 pesos per kilo production cost of local farmers, the Rice Tariffication law also
contributes to this crisis (Villanueva, 2019). This suggested price would lead local rice
farmers to starvation and poverty.

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 In line with this, the researches decide to create a bioplastic that will not only save the
country from plastic pollution, but also save the local rice farmers from starvation. The
researchers planned to use rice flour as the main ingredient in making the bioplastic. In
addition, the experimental study will only be conducted in The Peninsula School, Inc.
laboratories. Rice flour would be the main ingredient in making this bioplastic.
Characterization of this bioplastic is important in this study, however, commercial production
processes, product value and economic impacts to farmers will not be included in this study.

As above-mentioned, the main goal of this experimental research is to create an

efficient bioplastic using rice flour as the main ingredient. Moreover, this study aims to prove
the possibility of using rice flour as bioplastic to replace commercial plastics in the market.
This research will benefit the researchers, students, teachers, local rice farmers, and the
government. If supported by the government, the local farmers could a make new line of
business not only for food production but can also be in producing commercial bioplastic that
promotes a sustainable living in country with less plastic pollution.

Statement of the Problem

The general problem of the study: Can bioplastics made from rice flour replace
commercial plastics in the market? Specifically, it answers the following questions:

1. How are bioplastics made?

2. How much rice flour content is needed to create the best bioplastic?

3. How does the increase of rice flour content affect the characteristics of the bioplastic?

4. Can bioplastic made from rice flour be efficient enough to replace plastics in the market?

5. What products can be produced from bioplastics?

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Significance of the Study

This study aims to utilize rice flour and create efficient bioplastics that could replace
commercial plastics in the market. The following will benefit from this study:

Researchers. The researchers will know the possibility of rice flour to be produced as
bioplastics. They will know how to make efficient bioplastics made from rice flour and its
effectiveness to replace commercial plastics in the market.

Students. The students will be aware of the importance of bioplastics in saving our
environment from plastic pollution. They will be inspired by this research and can researchers
in the future.

Teachers. The teachers will be able to determine the benefits of bioplastics and be
able to teach them to students and encourage them to live sustainably so, as to mitigate plastic
usage. They would be able to inspire students to become researchers to help in solving
environmental problems.

Local Rice Farmers. The local rice farmers will be able to use the surplus of rice to
be rice flour which in turn can be used to be able to produce bioplastics. This rice flour-
based bioplastic would be a great market for the farmers that would not only benefit
themselves but also the country by replacing commercial plastics with these bioplastics.

Government. The government will be able to promote bioplastics made from rice
flour to lessen plastic waste in the country. They will be able to support these local farmers in
making rice flour-based bioplastics that will lessen the surplus of rice in the country and
promote sustainable living with these bioplastics.

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Scope and Delimitations

This experimental research will be conducted in The Peninsula School, Inc. as the
researcher’s workplace. The main component of the said bioplastic will be primarily from
rice flour. The plasticizer to be used is glycerin and the acetic acid will only come from white
vinegar. This study is focused on creating a rice flour-based bioplastic that can replace
plastics in the market. In addition, the goal of this study is only to prove that rice flour can be
made as bioplastics.

Characterization of the rice flour-based bioplastic will be included in this

exeperimenal study. Thickness, Tensile Strength, Solubility in water and Animal
consumption are the important characteristics to be studied in this research. Commercial
production processes, product value and economic impacts to farmers will not be included in
this study.

Definition of Terms

Bioplastic – refers to a biodegradable plastic made from organic/renewable materials that can
be a solution to plastic waste problem.

Plastic pollution – a pollution that starts from the accumulation of synthetic plastics that
greatly affects the environment and wildlife.

Polymers – are materials that have molecular structure made up of variety chemical units.

Biodegradable – a substance that is capable of decaying or broken down through microbial

action without harming the environment

Non-biodegradable - a substance that cannot be changed or broken down by the action of

bacteria

Sustainable living – is the practice of lifestyle that aims to lessen individual’s use of natural
resources

Rice Tariffication Law – a law allowing liberalization and remove previously placed quota
on rice imports, permitting traders to import near unlimited quantity of rice.

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 CHAPTER II

Review of Related Literature

Razza and Innocenti’s study (2012), “Bioplastics from renewable resources: the
benefits of biodegradability”, explains the starch-based bioplastic products helps in reducing
waste problem of the world. Moreover, transforming nonbiodegradable plastics into
biodegradable ones is possible making it more beneficial in waste management which was
examined by the previous studies on the effects of altering plastics into bioplastics that
resulted to the increase of recycling percentage.

Marichelvam, Jawaid, and Asim (2019) made an assessment regarding bioplastics

made from compositions like corn and rice starch, glycerin, citric acid, and gelatin. Tensile
strength and water absorption and solubility of bioplastics was analyzed in this study. Based
on the results, tensile strength of bioplastics increased meaning these products have the
capable to be stretched yet these bioplastics have reduced their water absorption and water
solubility which may greatly affect the end-product of corn and rice-based starch bioplastics.

“Study of Bio-plastics as Green and Sustainable Alternative to Plastics” is another

study by Reddy, Reddy & Gupta (2013) stating that bioplastics are derived from different
compositions like soya bean oil, sweet potatoes, sugarcane, hemp oil, and corn starch. In
addition, it also indicates the advantages and disadvantages of bioplastics to environment and
economy. Researchers, Cho and with others (2017) lso made a time cycle for bioplastics
which shows that making this type of plastic saves up to 25% of energy and during its
production, it is said that creating this product reduces greenhouse emissions unlike
conventional plastics that are widely used today. Through the European Bio-plastics
Association (2019), out of the four countries (North America, Europe, South America, and
Asia) and the rest of the world, Asia has the highest percentage of global market on
bioplastics. As of now, it is said that global production of bioplastics will grow four times this
year which will really help to reduce the pollution globally caused by traditional plastic
products.

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 Axel Barrett (2018) created a brief and short summary about the history of bioplastics.
According to him, “in 1.500 BCE - MesoAmerican cultures (Olmec, Maya, Aztecs) use
natural latex and rubber to make balls, containers and make their clothes waterproof; 1862 -
Alexander Parkes (UK) creates Parkesine, the first man-made plastic made from cellulose.
Parkesine was a biobased plastic, a bioplastic; 1926 – Maurice Lemoigne (FR) developed
polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) from bacterium Bacillus megaterium. This was the first
bioplastics made from bacteria. The principle is easy: when humans eat sugar, they will put
on fat. When bacteria absorb sugars, they will produce polymers.; 2018 – First packaging
made from a fruit.”. The history of bioplastic itself tells much more than we thought. Its
innovation is undeniably growing in a rapid rate which tells us that there are a lot of ways that
we can seek to prevent plastic pollution.

Bioplastics have gone through far. We’ll hear it in our industry whether through
structures, electronics, foods, and most probably in our daily lives but what makes it so
important? Plastics Industry Association (2019) stated that “Since they’re made from
renewable resources and/or biodegradable, they can help to reduce reliance on fossil fuels,
support sustainability initiative and allow manufacturers to diversify feedstocks.” and that,
therefore, can end scenarios for disposal and recycling and may also lessen the burden on our
waste systems.

“A 2017 study determined that switching from traditional plastic to corn-based PLA
would cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent. The study also concluded that if
traditional plastics were produced using renewable energy sources, greenhouse gas emissions
could be reduced 50 to 75 percent; however, bioplastics that might in the future be produced
with renewable energy showed the most promise for substantially reducing greenhouse gas
emissions.” (Posen, D.I., et al.,2017)

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 CHAPTER III

Methodology

Research Design

This chapter presents the methods of research that were utilized in the collection
analysis and interpretation of the data related to the study. Quantitative experimental method
of data collection was used to determine the effectiveness of the bioplastic supported by
numerical data. Different setups were made for the experimentation of the bioplastic. This
type of research is commonly used for scientific researches. Specifically, in characterization
of polymers such as bioplastic, this type of research is used.

Materials

Glutinous rice flour from a local market was the main ingredient in making this
bioplastic. Vegetable glycerin was purchased from an online shop which will serve as the
plasticizer for the bioplastic. Acetic acid from white vinegar was used to help in dissolving
starch in the mixture as it adds ions. Water served as the solvent for the mixture and it
prevents the flour from being cooked or burned.

Several experiments were performed to test different proportions of materials to find

the right percentage of ingredients in preparing the bioplastic. The researchers came to the
final measurement of materials which is 20 g of glutinous rice flour, 4 ml of glycerin, 4 ml of
vinegar and 50 ml of distilled water.

Film Preparation

This experiment involved different setups to test which proportion of ingredients is

the most effective. The rice flour bioplastic films were prepared using a molding technique.
The ingredients were combined in a beaker and were mixed thoroughly. The solution was
cooked with a low to medium heat with an electric stove. With continuous stirring, the

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solution was cooked for 15 to 20 minutes. After cooking, the solution was casted with an
aluminum foil wrapper and aluminum pans and left air dried for 2 to 3 days.

The controlled setup in this experiment involves 20g of rice flour, 4 ml of glycerin, 4
ml of vinegar, and 50 ml of distilled water. This setup is then marked with red food coloring
for distinction. The experimental setup involves various masses of rice flour used, 20g, 25g,
30g, 35g and 40g. This will produce different percentage of solution that will affect the
resulting bioplastic.

These setups involved showed which bioplastic film is very efficient to use as a
replacement for commercial plastics. These bioplastic films were molded into different
shapes to tell whether these rice flour bioplastic can replace these commercial plastics. Final
products were tested for tensile strength, dissolution rate, and decomposition rate.

Bioplastic Characterization

Thickness

Thickness of the bioplastic film was measured using a micrometer. The both
ends and the center of each films are measured. The final thickness of the sample will
be the average of the measurements done for each film.

Tensile Strength

Tensile strength is the resistance of a material to break under tension.

Bioplastic films were tested for how much force they can hold before it breaks. The
researchers used a spring scale attached to the bioplastic film and then stretched apart
and measured the force needed to break the film.

Tensile strength is determined by Eq. (1):

F
T=
A

Where F is the maximum force before the film break, and A is the cross
sectional area of the film.

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Solubility in Water

Solubility refers to how much of the substance is dissolved in water for a

particular time. Initial weights of the films were recorded. The films were submerged
into different beakers of water. After 24 hours, the bioplastic films are dried then the
weights were recorded to see how much bioplastic is dissolved.

Solubility percentage is determined by the Eq. (2):

m f −m i
S= x 100 %
mi

Where mi is the initial mass and mf is the final mass.

Animal Consumption

The bioplastic films were fed to aquarium shrimps and snails. This will test
whether these bioplastic films are consumable and safe for animals. The animals are
keenly observed to know the effects of these bioplastics to animals.

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 CHAPTER IV

Results and Discussions

Thickness

Thickness
2
1.8 1.76
1.71
1.6
1.4
Thickness (mm)

1.21.14 1.21
Thickness (mm)
1
Linear (Thickness (mm))
0.8 0.82
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
20 25 30 35 40
Mass of rice flour (g)

Figure 1. Thickness trend of increasing rice flour content in bioplastic.

The graph shows an increasing trend of the thickness of the bioplastic produced in
different amount of rice flour. The linear trend shows that increasing amounts of rice flour in
the bioplastic shows increasing thickness of the bioplastic films produced. In a research by
Santana et.al (2017), in characterization of bioplastic from jackfruit seeds, increasing
amounts of starch shows increase in thickness of the bioplastic films produced. Rice flour
contains starch, thus, increase in rice flour content means increase in starch content. In
conclusion, increasing rice flour content shows increasing thickness of bioplastics produced.

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Tensile Strength

Mass of Li Lf ∆L W Cross- Force Tensile

rice Sectiona Applied, Strength
flour l Area, A F (N/cm2)

20 g 4 cm 4.1 cm 0.1 cm 1 cm 4cm2 7.84 N 1.96

25 g 4 cm 4.4 cm 0.4 cm 1 cm 4cm2 8.82 N 2.205
30 g 4 cm 4.3 cm 0.3 cm 1cm 4cm2 9.8 N 2.45
35 g 4 cm 4 cm 0 cm 1cm 4cm2 15.68 N 3.92
40 g 4 cm 4.1 cm 0.1 cm 1cm 4cm2 11.76 N 2.94

Table 1. Data measurements for tensile strength .

Tensile Strength
4
3.72
3.5
Tensile Strength (N/cm2)

3 2.94
2.5 2.45
2.21 Tensile Strength
21.96
Linear (Tensile Strength)
1.5
1
0.5
0
20 25 30 35 40
Mass of rice flour (g)

Figure 2. Tensile Strength trend of increasing rice flour content.

The graph shows an increasing trend of the tensile strength of the bioplastic produced
in increasing amount of rice flour. The linear trend suggests that increasing the rice flour
content increases the tensile strength of the bioplastic. However, the graph shows that 35 g of
rice flour produces the highest tensile strength of the material and based on the table, it has 0

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elongation which shows less elasticity. In addition, 20g to 30g shows elastic properties with
increasing tensile strength. Moreover, 40 g of rice flour shows higher tensile strength and low
elasticity however it resulted into more brittle bioplastic that breaks easily.

Water Solubility

Water solubilty
80.00%
70.00%
60.00%
Percentage decrease %

50.00%
Water solubilty
40.00%
Linear (Water solubilty)
30.00%
20.00%
10.00%
0.00%
20 25 30 35 40
Mass of rice flour (g)

Figure 3. Water solubility trend of increasing rice flour content.

The graph shows a decreasing trend of water solubility of the bioplastic films as rice
flour content increases. The linear trend suggests that increasing rice flour content makes it
hard for the bioplastic to dissolve in water. It is contrary to the research by Santana et.al
(2017) which states that increasing starch content shows increasing solubility. However,
different contents in the rice flour rather than rice starch may affect the solubility of these
bioplastic films.

Animal Consumption

The bioplastic films are completely consumed by the shrimps and snails. There are no
visible effects seen on the animals tested. Kokemuller (2019) stated that wild shrimps eat
decaying plant matter, and other decaying matter. According to Ward’s Science (n.d.),
aquatic snails are omnivores and scavengers in which they eat decaying plants. These
bioplastic films are biodegradable materials in which snails and shrimps can consume.

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 CHAPTER V

Conclusion and Recommendations

Conclusion

The researchers concluded that am increase in rice flour content causes increase in
thickness and tensile strength of the said rice-flour bioplastic. In addition, a lesser rice flour
content produces more elastic bioplastic yet weaker tensile strength. However, too much rice
content produces a brittle bioplastic which breaks easily. The bioplastic with 20g or 25% rice
flour content shows elastic properties, but has less tensile strength. The bioplastic with 35g
or 37% rice flour content has the most tensile strength but shows no or less elasticity. The
bioplastic with 40 g or 40% rice flour content shows brittle properties which are not very
suitable as plastics. In conclusion, bioplastics with 25% to 37% rice flour content shows
efficient characteristics for commercial use.

The researchers also concluded that these rice-flour based bioplastic are water soluble
and the study shows that increase in rice flour content decreases its ability to be soluble in
water. However, it still implies that all of the bioplastic films made were soluble in water.
Moreover, these bioplastics, being able to dissolve in water, are consumable by scavenger
animals such as shrimps and snails. Nevertheless, if these bioplastics reached any bodies of
water, it will be dissolved in water and be consumed safely by animals, thus, preventing
plastic pollution.

This study concluded that the use for rice-flour as the main ingredient for bioplastics
is capable to create bioplastics that can replace some commercial plastics at large. Various
percentages of rice flour content are able to produce different kinds of bioplastic. The result
shows the possibility of rice flour to be used as bioplastic however proper percentage of rice
flour content must be used to create efficient bioplastic. With these rice-flour based
bioplastic, products to be made must not involve any liquid interaction for such it will cause
dissolution of the bioplastic. Hard plastics to be made with these bioplastics must contain
approximately 37% rice flour content and elastic plastics have to be made must contain 25%
to 30% rice flour content for efficient use.

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Recommendation

In the subject of the researchers, this study suggests that the use of rice flour is able to
create efficient bioplastics. Moreover, the correct rice flour content plays an important role in
creating an efficient bioplastic. The research also suggests instructions in making these
bioplastics with proper amount of ingredient to produce an optimal byproduct.

For the students, this study can disseminate salient information about bioplastics, how
are they made and how would it help lessen plastic pollution. It would inspire them to do
experiments themselves and be future researchers.

For the teachers, this study would open up the possibility of rice flour to be made as
bioplastics. This study would help them teach children about bioplastics and be able to
inspire them to become future scientists and solve environmental problems such as plastic
pollution.

As to local rice farmers, this study suggests the possibility of rice flour to be used as
bioplastic, thus, a new source of living. Rice production will not only used for the sake of
consumption but can now be used in making biodegradable plastics that could solve the
plastic pollution in the Philippines.

For the government, this study would be recommended for them to know the
possibility of rice flour as a source of bioplastic. The government could promote these rice
flour- based bioplastic that could help farmers economically and at the same time solve
plastic pollution by promoting sustainable living using these rice flour-based bioplastics.

For the future researchers, the researchers suggest to use a more efficient and
complete laboratory for the production and testing of bioplastics. It is also recommended to
know the safety precautions and wear proper garments during experiments. In addition, time
management is important in order to finish their study. Sufficient knowledge before
conducting a study would make the research easier and less complicated to execute. Lastly,
the future researchers must do their research with honesty, integrity, and responsibility.

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 APPENDIX A

Researchers

APPENDIX B

Materials and Equipment

Page | 23
APPENDIX C

Ingredients

Page | 24
 APPENDIX D

Production

Page | 25
February 3, 2020 – February 21, 2020

7:45 a.m.
 APPENDIX E

Bioplastic Films

February 10, 2020 – February 21, 2020

7:45 a.m.
Page | 26
 APPENDIX F

Experimentation

February 24, 2020 – February 28, 2020

7:45 a.m.

Page | 27
Page | 28