VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY

HO CHI MINH CITY UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

PROJECT REPORT

BIOPLASTIC

Subject code: CH1002

Class: CC05
Instructor: Nguyễn Thành Duy Quang
Group: 6
 MEMBERS

No. Fullname Student’s code

1 Nguyễn Phạm Quỳnh Chi 2452168
2 Trần Khánh Linh 2452677
3 Ngô Quang Minh 2452748
4 Phạm Lê Kim Oanh 2452936

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
MEMBERS ................................................................................................................... 2
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ............................................................................................ 4
PART 1: INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................ 5
ABSTRACT: .............................................................................................................. 5
1. PLASTICS: .......................................................................................................... 5
2. BIOPLASTIC AND SOCIAL BENEFITS: ......................................................... 5
3. OBJECTIVES: ..................................................................................................... 6
PART 2: SCIENTIFIC HYPOTHESIS ..................................................................... 7
STAGE 1: STARCH EXTRACTION ........................................................................ 7
STAGE 2: PLASTICIZATION .................................................................................. 7
STAGE 3: GELATINIZATION ................................................................................. 7
2.1: PROPERTIES OF BIOPLASTIC: .................................................................. 8
PART 3: MATERIALS AND METHODS ................................................................ 9
A. Procedure: ........................................................................................................... 9
1. Ingredient: ......................................................................................................... 9
2. Process: ............................................................................................................. 9
B. Result and comments: ...................................................................................... 10
1. Mechanical Strength ....................................................................................... 10
2. Water Resistance ............................................................................................. 11
3. Flexibility and Malleability............................................................................. 11
4. Safety .............................................................................................................. 12
PART 4: APPLICATION .......................................................................................... 13
PART 5: BENEFITS AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ............................... 17
REFERENCES USED: .............................................................................................. 19

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 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

F
irst and foremost, we would like to thank Dr. Nguyen Thanh Duy Quang, our
instructor at the Vietnam National University – Ho Chi Minh City University of
Technology, for his guidance, encouragement and support in the course of
preparation of this report on bioplastics in the context of General Chemistry. Working
on the report, we appreciated his ideas and had benefited from his practical suggestions
that provided us with an opportunity to comprehend this subject better and complete
this report.
We would like to express our gratitude as well to the Vietnam National
University – Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology which has equipped us with
necessary surroundings to carry out practical work and research. This has enabled us
get vital bioplastics information, data and resources which have also improved the
standard and depth of this report.
Finally, many thanks are due to our classmates, friends and relatives for their
encouraging voices and other forms of help. This support has been key in allowing us
remain focused and driven during the course of the research.
We appreciate all of you for taking part in this learning experience.

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 PART 1: INTRODUCTION
ABSTRACT:
Plastic is an essential component of modern life. It is found in common things
such as bottles and packaging and is essential for technology, transportation, and
healthcare. It is the preferred material in many fields because of its flexibility, durability,
and weight. However, increased plastic manufacture and disposal have caused severe
environmental difficulties [1]. As pollution levels grow, researchers are working to
develop eco-friendly alternatives, such as bioplastics.
This project focused on creating biodegradable plastics by mixing potato starch
with glycerol. The goal was to explore how these materials could break down efficiently
over time. Emphasizing practical benefits, the approach aims to offer sustainable
solutions for everyday use, reducing plastic waste and encouraging eco-friendly
alternatives.

1. PLASTICS:
Plastic products are widely used and contribute to a more comfortable and
convenient lifestyle. Plastic makes it easier and increases efficiency in various
applications, including food packaging, water bottles, and parts in modern gadgets.
Through satisfying consumer needs and promoting economic expansion, the plastics
industry positively impacts global development in many ways. Plastic waste is currently
a significant environmental issue despite its advantages. Approximately 8 to 10 million
tons of plastic enter the oceans annually, endangering wildlife and ecosystems [2]. Over
100,000 marine animals are believed to perish each year as a result of plastic pollution,
according to research from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography [3][4].

2. BIOPLASTIC AND SOCIAL BENEFITS:

Renewable biomass sources, including vegetable fats and oils, starch, straw,
woodchips, sawdust, and recycled food waste, are used to make bioplastics. Bioplastics
accumulate when bacterial growth is limited by the depletion of nitrogen, phosphorus,
or oxygen, and excess carbon sources are provided. Not all biopolymers are considered
biodegradable because their degradation behavior varies. Some biopolymers can’t break
down easily, as their ability to degrade depends on their molecular structure. Some resist
breakdown because their carbon bonds are tough for enzymes and microorganisms to
digest. Properties like hydrophobicity, low surface area, high molecular weight, and
crystallinity can also reduce enzyme activity. However, these characteristics help create
durable, long-lasting materials [5]. In certain conditions, such as industrial composting,
bioplastics can decompose faster. For example, polylactic acid (PLA) can break down
within 180 days in these environments [6]. Bacteria and fungi are key players in this
process, breaking down bioplastics into simpler compounds like carbon dioxide and
water, which supports eco-friendly disposal.[7]

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 3. OBJECTIVES:
In this report, we aim to:
• Go through the steps on how bioplastic is created and the science behind it.
• Assess the material’s suitability for packaging, disposable items, and agricultural
films by evaluating its mechanical properties, such as tensile strength and
flexibility.
• Explore practical applications of biodegradable plastic made from potato starch
and glycerol for everyday use.

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 PART 2: SCIENTIFIC HYPOTHESIS
STAGE 1: STARCH EXTRACTION
Potato Starch (C₆H₁₀O₅)ₙ, a polysaccharide
consisting of amylose and amylopectin,
usually in a 3:1 ratio, and can be extracted
from the potato by breaking open its cells.
In an ideal situation, when immersed in
water the starch gets divided from other
contaminants like cellulose and lignin
present in the pulp and skin respectively [8].

Potato + H₂O → Starch (C₆H₁₀O₅)ₙ + Impurities (cellulose, lignin)

STAGE 2: PLASTICIZATION
The extracted starch is then mixed with glycerol (C₃H₈O₃), a polyol that
interacts with the hydroxyl groups of starch. Such interactions disrupt the hydrogen
bonds that normally bind the starch chains together and instead forms glycerol-starch
bonds and leads to a more pliable polymer matrix [9].
Starch (C₆H₁₀O₅)ₙ + Glycerol (C₃H₈O₃) → Glycerol-Starch Bonds

STAGE 3: GELATINIZATION
The mixture is heated to 70°C, this results in gelatinization, water penetrates
inside starch granules disrupting hydrogen bonds and swelling them. Herein, we help
glycerol diffuse into the structure of starch matrix. When the mixture dries, water
comes off, and the starch chains try to re-create its hydrogen bonding. Although
glycerol is used to slow down the bonding and increase chain mobility of the bonds
leading to flexible but less mechanically strong material [10].
Starch (C₆H₁₀O₅)ₙ + H₂O → Gelatinized Starch (at 70°C)
Gelatinized Starch + H₂O → Bioplastic Film + H₂O (evaporated)

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2.1: PROPERTIES OF BIOPLASTIC:
The glycerol content affects the mechanical properties of bioplastic. The higher
the glycerol content, the weaker is the bonds developed by replacing starch-starch
interactions with starch-glycerol interactions leading to decreased tensile strength [11].
This relationship can be expressed by means of the following equation:
𝑭
𝝈 =
𝑨

In which: F is the applied force (N)

σ is the tensile strength (MPa), A is the cross-sectional area (m²)

Furthermore, due to the hydrophilicity of starch and glycerol when there is an

increase in the content of glycerol, greater absorption of water occurs making the
bioplastic more susceptible to moisture. Enzymatic Hydrolysis ensures that the starch
is broken down to glucose, showing the biodegradability of the material.
Starch (C₆H₁₀O₅)ₙ + Amylase → Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆)
This confirms that bioplastic is still a biodegradable material, although higher
amounts of glycerol can extend the degradation process by retaining moisture. This
feature establishes its prospect as a green alternative to conventional petrochemical-
based plastics; and it could help minimize plastic waste and environmental pollution
[12].

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 PART 3: MATERIALS AND METHODS
A. Procedure:
1. Ingredient:

a) Potatoes (3kg) b) Glycerol c) Acetic acid (vinegar)

d) Chitosan e) PVA solution

2. Process:
• Step 1: Starch extraction
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into small pieces.
- Soak the potatoes in water to remove excess starch.
- Puree the potatoes with a blender.
- Filter through a sieve or cloth to get the water containing starch.
- Let the starchy water settle for about 30 minutes, then pour off the water above,
keeping only the starch that settles at the bottom.

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 • Step 2: Dissolve the solution:
- Mix the collected starch in 1 litter of water.
- Add dissolved chitosan solution (50ml), PVA solution (50ml), 1
tablespoon (15ml) of vinegar and 1 tablespoon (15ml) of glycerol, then
stir well until they dissolve completely.
• Step 3: Cook the mixture:
- Heat up the mixture at 80 °C, continuously stir to
avoid burning.
- Continue the process around 15 minutes until the
mixture becomes clear and thick.
- Pour the mixture into a tray and let it cool in 24 hour.
- After the process above, we get the product.

B. Result and comments:

1. Mechanical Strength
Objective: Test the bioplastic’s mechanical strength under stretching and pressure:

• Step 1: Cut 2 strips of bioplastic (about 3cm x 8cm each).

• Step 2: Manually stretch a strip.
• Step 3: Place the other strip across two supports and gradually add weights.
Result: When pulled by hand, the first bioplastic strip shows the ability to withstand
light tensile forces but does not reach high toughness. Samples tend to tear after gentle
pulling. For the weight-bearing test one, the plastic strip was able to withstand a small
book (~0.5kg) before bending and starting to show signs of breaking.
After testing its mechanical strength, the bioplastic product shows:
Tensile Strength: The product is able to take mild forces in the self-stretching
orientation which means this product can be used for those applications which do not
require applying tensile forces however this product can break and structural integrity
is also lost if the tensile force is applied much stronger than its capacity.
Flexibility: Slight deformation of the product does not cause breakage hence the
product has moderate flexibility. This makes the product suitable for applications where
mild bending is required while high hero’s resilience applications cannot be used.
 Conclusion: Bioplastics can also be utilized in such products where mild
durability is needed but still cannot outright substitute the conventional plastics
where hard mechanical strength applications are fundamental.

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 2. Water Resistance
Objective: Test the bioplastic’s water resistance when immersed:

• Step 1: Prepare two same size bioplastic samples.

• Step 2: Place one sample in a cup of water at room temperature (30°C) for 24
hours; keep the other sample as a control.
Result : After soaking in water for 24 hours, the plastic becomes softer and begins to
disintegrate at the edges. Compared to the control sample, the soaked water sample
increased in density and lost some of its original hardness.
When immersed in water, the product demonstrated:
Water Absorption: After 24 hours, it was noted that the product had softened and
started its disintegration which means the product is capable of easily absorbing water
and not reliable for usage in high humidity environments.
Loss of Structural Integrity: It was noted that the product loses its form and strength
with time in humid surroundings.
 Conclusion: Bioplastics lack water resistance and as such can only be used in
dry environments.

3. Flexibility and Malleability

Objective: Determine the product's ability to bend and withstand deformation without
breaking:

• Step 1: Cut a rectangular bioplastic sample.

• Step 2: Slowly bend the sample.
Result: When bending the sample at angles between 15° and 30°, the sample retained
its flexibility without cracking. However, from 30° onwards when bending, the sample
shows slight signs of cracking.
The product has moderate flexibility, allowing for slight bending without cracking.
Malleability: The product has the ability to be deformed without breaking, but when
designed to be over bent the product may indeed break.
 Conclusion: The product has some degrees of flexibility but further
modifications are necessary to allow the product to expand without cracking. For
such an application the finished product will need to be able to bend without
breaking otherwise it will be useless.

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 4. Safety
Objective: Assess the bioplastics safety and non-toxicity:

• Step 1: Smell the bioplastic.

• Step 2: Wet the sample and check pH levels.
• Step 3: Touch the sample to assess.
Result: Bioplastic samples do not have a pungent or unpleasant odor. Testing the pH of
the sample gives a result of about 6-7, showing a neutral pH, safe for the skin. When in
contact with skin, the sample does not cause irritation or discomfort
Non-toxic Composition: The ingredients ensure user safety.
Odor-free: The product is odorless, does not irritate the skin so it can be used for
household products.
 Conclusion: The product is safe to use and does not pose health risks to
consumers.

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 PART 4: APPLICATION
Bioplastics have become more common in several applications. The following
are some examples of bioplastics in use

1. Packaging:

Film and Wraps: Biodegradable films Food Packaging: Bioplastics are used
and wraps made from bioplastics help for packaging food products, providing
reduce plastic waste. a biodegradable alternative to traditional
plastics. Materials like polylactic acid
(PLA) are commonly used.

2. Disposable Tableware:
Plates, Cutlery, and Cups: Bioplastics are
used to produce disposable plates, utensils, and
cups, which are compostable and reduce the
amount and the environmental impact of
single-use plastics.

3. Automotive Parts:
Interior Components: Bioplastics are
used in the automotive industry for
making lightweight and sustainable
interior furnitures.

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 4. Agriculture:

Mulch Films: Bioplastic mulch films Seedling Pots: Bioplastic pots are used
improve soil health and reduce for growing seedlings, as they can be
agricultural plastic pollution. They can planted directly into the ground,
decompose in the soil after use. reducing plastic was

5. Textiles:
Clothing: Some bioplastics, like PLA, Non-woven Fabrics: Bioplastics
are used to make fibers for clothing and are utilized in the production of non-
other textiles, providing a sustainable woven fabrics for applications such
alternative to synthetic fibers. as diapers and hygiene products.

6. Consumer Goods:

Toys: Bioplastics are used in the production of environmentally friendly toys.

Household Items: Items like toothbrushes, kitchen utensils, and storage containers can
be made from bioplastics.

7. Medical Applications:

Surgical Devices: Bioplastics are used in various medical applications, including

sutures, drug delivery systems, and implants, due to their biocompatibility.

8. 3D Printing:
Filaments: Bioplastics are increasingly used as
filaments for 3D printing, allowing for
environmentally friendly prototypes and products.

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 9. Construction:
Insulation Materials: Some bioplastics are used in construction for insulation and
other applications, providing energy efficiency and sustainability.

⇒ These applications highlight the versatility of bioplastics and their potential

to replace traditional petroleum-based plastics in various industries, contributing
to a more sustainable future.

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 PART 5: BENEFITS AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
1. How can consumers benefit from replacing single-use plastics with this
biodegradable alternative?
Bioplastic helps consumers feel less guilty about using plastic products and worry
less about its environmental impact since it can completely decompose in a matter of
time depending on the material used. It also can be used to propagandize “moral
products” when compared to anti-plastic ads containing images of sea creatures dying
due to plastics and microplastics that ended up getting stranded in our ocean [13].
Bioplastics are just a biodegradable form of polymers using microbial mechanisms thus
they can be created using environmentally safe products. Although its side effects may
vary, it can reduce the percentage of plastic and microplastic infused in our lives. Being
given more choices in the type of plastics available for use can also reduce the
environmental footprint of your daily life. By using biodegradable packaging,
containers, and bags, consumers will help minimize landfill waste.
To sum up, by choosing bioplastics, consumers take a step toward reducing plastic
pollution and promoting a sustainable future.
2. What advantages does it offer compared to conventional plastics in terms of
sustainability?
Bioplastic is usually made from natural polymers such as polysaccharides
(cellulose, starch, ...) and proteins (casein, zein, gluten, and gelatin). These polymers
typically involve intra- and intermolecular interactions and cross-linking (crosslinking)
between polymeric constituents to form a semi-rigid three-dimensional polymeric
network that retains the solvent. Therefore, these polymers are more environmentally
friendly than ordinary plastic because they have molecular bonds that can be broken by
heat, water, and sunlight, unlike petroleum-based ones. For example, a normal bottle
made from petroleum-based plastics takes about 450 years to completely decompose
while the ones made from bioplastics take 6 months to 2 years [14]. Although the higher
costs compared to synthetic polymers made from fossil oil and functional issues limit
the large-scale manufacture of bioplastics for various uses, several facilities utilize
renewable energy to produce bioplastic. As a result, greenhouse gasses decrease and
prevent global warming.

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 3. What role does the material play in preventing soil contamination after use?
They can mitigate soil pollution after disposal. While ordinary plastics could take
centuries to decompose and slowly leach toxic substances into nature, bioplastics have
the ability to completely decompose into harmless by-products like carbon dioxide gas,
water, and biomass. That's important for soil health because it means fewer lasting
microplastics and chemicals that can disrupt the ecosystem. Microorganisms (bacteria
and fungi) can hasten the decomposition under composting conditions. This provides a
more sustainable post-end-of-life cycle, as the bioplastics go back into the soil in a form
that can nurture other plants and biodiversity without toxic residues. It is essential to
mention that full degradation usually happens under certain conditions, such as high
temperatures and microbial activity in industrial block composting environments [7].

Bioplastics, as more environment-friendly alternatives to traditional plastics reduce

long-term soil contamination and benefit sustainable ecosystems.
4. In what ways does the natural decomposition of this material help tackle
plastic pollution?
Bioplastic can fully decompose and blend into its surrounding environments
without causing buildups like conventional plastic does, this helps prevent cloggings in
sewer pipes around residential areas or industrial zones and also chances of plastic being
stuck inside living creatures, with the most popular example being marine animals.
Although made from organic material, plastic is finished with crude oil, which
explains why plastic does not occur in the wild. As a total human-made product, 1 bit
of plastic can take anywhere from 20 to 500 years to begin to decompose fully [15].
However, like any other material, other aspects affect the degradation of plastic. One
famous example is the UV light in the sky, which breaks down plastic molecules faster
than in other circumstances. Plastic’s carbon bonds are not the same chemical bonds
found in nature, when it finally decomposes it will leak toxins into the surrounding
environment leading to a much more serious problem than just simply buildups.
Plastic pollution can certainly be reduced with the exchange from conventional to
biodegradable plastic.

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plastic-pollution/.
4. Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Scripps study finds plastic in nine percent of
“Garbage patch” fishes. https://scripps.ucsd.edu/news/scripps-study-finds-
plastic-nine-percent-garbage-patch-fishes. Published June 30, 2011.
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of Bioplastic Packaging Materials: An Overview. Macromolecular Bioscience.
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6. Jha S, Akula B, Enyioma H, Novak M, Amin V, Liang H. Biodegradable Biobased
Polymers: A review of the state of the art, challenges, and future directions.
Polymers. 2024;16(16):2262. doi:10.3390/polym16162262
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8. Libretexts. 5.1: starch and cellulose. Chemistry LibreTexts.
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Published September 8, 2024.
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MECHANICAL AND THERMAL PROPERTIES OF CASSAVA STARCH-
BASED BIOPLASTICS 2019 (21/E/KPT/2018).
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12. Musthofa Lutfi†, Sumardi Hadi Sumarlan, Bambang Susilo, Wignyanto, Risma
Zenata and Lita Puspita R Perdana. The Glycerol Effect on Mechanical

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 Behaviour of Biodegradable Plastic. 2017;16 No. 4(pp. 1121-1124).
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2024. https://chariotenergy.com/blog/how-long-until-plastic-decomposes/.

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