Research Methodology Proposal

Title : “Bio-plastic From Fruit Waste Of Banana Peel

For Industrial Applications”

Supervisor : Hammad Kiyani

Group members : Hafsa Ashfaq : 20102129

Naila Ali : 2048111

Dua Syed : 1948138

Tanveer Bux : 20102147

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Bio-plastic From Fruit Waste Of Banana
Peel For Industrial Applications

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Introduction
Background :

Bananas (Musa paradisiaca L.) are widely consumed fruits worldwide, enjoyed for their sweet
taste and nutritional value. However, the peel of bananas is often overlooked, typically used as
animal feed or discarded as waste (Chodigahetal, 2019). While some have found alternative uses
for banana peels, such as in ethanol production and chicken feed, its full potential remains
untapped. Notably, the peel of bananas contains pectin, ranging from 5% to 12%, presenting an
opportunity for its utilization as a source for bio-plastics. Pectin is a polysaccharide with a high
molecular weight and acidic properties. Specifically, it is a polygalacturonic acid composed of
galacturonic acid molecules and several neutral sugars (L-arabinose and D-galactose) connected
by α-(1-4)-glycoside bonds. Some portions of esterified carboxyl pectin form ester
methylparaphrase (goankaretal, 2018) Bio-plastics, derived from renewable sources like corns,
tapioca, potatoes, algae, and even bananas, represent a sustainable alternative to conventional
plastics. These bio-plastics can be either fully or partially bio-based and are designed to be
biodegradable. (raazetal, 2016)In contrast to petroleum-based plastics, which are derived from
non-renewable resources and do not break down easily, bio-plastics use substances like starch,
cellulose, or other biopolymers to replace the polymer chain found in traditional plastics. The
global production of plastic has skyrocketed to 200 tones per year, highlighting the significant
role plastics play in various industries and everyday activities (barb).Industries across the board
utilize plastic extensively for packaging, manufacturing products, and more. The introduction of
bio-plastics, made from renewable resources, provides a more sustainable and eco-friendly
option.

Problems:

● Environmental challenges

● Challenges in plastic waste management

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 ● Underutilization and disposal of banana peels

This shift toward biodegradable materials aims to address the environmental challenges
associated with the widespread use of non-renewable and non-degradable petroleum-based
plastics. This intrinsic composition of banana peel makes it a promising for bio-plastic
production. The presence of high molecular weight and acidic properties contributes to the
potential flexibility and durability of the resulting bio-plastic material. Moreover, the abundance
of pectin in banana peels, combined with its often underutilized status, presents a sustainable and
environmentally friendly option for bio-plastic sourcing. Banana peels, often considered as mere
waste, contain a wealth of valuable components such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin
natural polymers that can be extracted and processed to create bio-plastics (heslopetal., 2007).
The utilization of banana peel waste for bio-plastic production aligns with the principles of the
circular economy, as it repurposes agricultural by-products that would otherwise contribute to
environmental pollution (N.kanuojiya etal.,2020).This research not only offers a green
alternative to conventional plastics but also addresses the challenges associated with waste
management in the agricultural sector.

What we do in this research?

The Bio-plastic Production Process:

Extraction Techniques:

Researchers have developed various techniques for extracting and processing the polymers from
banana peels to create bio-plastics. These methods typically involve steps such as drying,
grinding, and chemical treatments to isolate the essential components (P.khawaker.,2018). The
extracted polymers can then be further processed to form biodegradable plastics suitable for
industrial applications.

Mechanical Properties:

Studies have focused on evaluating the mechanical properties of banana peel-derived bio-
plastics, including tensile strength, flexibility, and durability. Remarkably, research indicates that
these bio-plastics exhibit properties comparable to or even superior to traditional petroleum-

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based plastics this discovery is crucial in promoting the adoption of banana peel bio-plastics in
various industrial applications.

Biodegradability:

One of the key advantages of banana peel bio-plastics is their biodegradability. Traditional
plastics contribute significantly to environmental pollution due to their resistance to
decomposition. In contrast, banana peel bio-plastics break down more efficiently, minimizing the
long-term environmental impact and addressing concerns about plastic waste accumulation (raaz
etal.,2016).

Banana Peel Composition:

Understanding the composition of banana peels is integral to comprehending the potential of

utilizing this waste material for bio-plastic production. Table presents a breakdown of the content
of various components in banana peels on a dry matter basis.

Item Content (g/100 g dry matter)

Protein 8.6±0.1
Fat 13.1±0.2
Starch 12.78±0.9
Ash 15.25±0.1
Total Dietary Fat 50.25±0.2

These values illustrate the diverse nutritional composition of banana peels, showcasing not only
the presence of polymers suitable for bio-plastic production but also other valuable components
that could influence the material properties and characteristics of the resulting bio-plastics.

Industrial Applications:

The potential industrial applications of banana peel bio-plastics are vast and diverse, ranging
from packaging materials to agricultural films. The versatility of these bio-plastics opens up new
avenues for sustainable practices in different sectors.

Packaging Materials:

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The packaging industry, a major contributor to plastic waste, stands to benefit significantly from
the adoption of banana peel bio-plastics. These materials can be utilized for the production of
bags, containers, and other packaging solutions, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional
plastic packaging (Gaonker.,etal 2018).

Single-Use Items:

The demand for eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastic items is on the rise. Banana peel
bio-plastics can be employed in the production of disposable cutlery, plates, and cups, providing
a sustainable solution to the pervasive issue of single-use plastic waste (Gaonker.,etal 2018).

Scientific Advancements and Challenges:

While the potential of banana peel bio-plastics is promising, scientific advancements are needed
to address challenges associated with scalability, cost-effectiveness, and end-of-life
considerations (raazetal., 2016). Researchers are actively exploring ways to optimize the
production process, improve material properties, and ensure that banana peel bio-plastics can be
seamlessly integrated into existing industrial practices.

OBJECTIVES
The main purpose of making bioplastic from banana peel is to provide a sustainable and eco-
friendly alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics. This serves several important
objectives:

1) Reducing Dependency on Fossil Fuels : Bioplastics derived from banana peel waste are
made from renewable resources, whereas traditional plastics are derived from non-renewable
fossil fuels. By using banana peels, we reduce the need for oil-based raw materials in plastic
production.

2) Minimizing Plastic Pollution : Conventional plastics can take hundreds of years to break
down in the environment, contributing to plastic pollution. Bioplastics made from banana peels

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are typically biodegradable or compostable, which means they can break down naturally into
organic matter, reducing their impact on the environment.

3) Utilizing Waste Streams : Banana peels are a significant agricultural waste product.
Repurposing this waste into bioplastics provides a valuable use for what would otherwise be
discarded, contributing to a circular economy.

4) Lowering Carbon Footprint : The production of bioplastics from banana peels generally
involves lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to the production of traditional plastics. This
can help mitigate climate change impacts.

5) Reducing Landfill Waste : Repurposing banana peels into bioplastics diverts organic waste
from landfills, reducing the burden on waste management systems and preventing the release of
greenhouse gases from decomposing organic matter.

Question
Does bio-plastic derived from banana peel waste be effectively utilized in various industrial
applications?

Hypothesis
It is hypothesized that cellulose in banana peel produces water resistant bio-plastic.

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Methodology
Materials and methods
� Banana fruit is very rich in starch, which consists of two different types of polymer chains

called amylose and amylopectin, made up of adjoined glucose molecules that are bonded
together forming the plastic.

� Banana peels were boiled in water for about 30 minutes Water was decanted from the beaker

and the peels were left to dry on filter paper for 30 minutes. After the incubation, peels were
completely dried, and the peels were squashed until a uniform paste was obtained using
mortar and pestle. first phase

� Production of polymer from banana paste was carried out by following the procedure of .25

gms of banana paste was taken in a beaker and 3 ml of (0.1N) Hydrochloric acid was added
to this mixture and stirred using glass rod, followed by 2ml of glycerol was added, stirred and
3 ml of 0. IN sodium hydroxide was added in order to neutralize the pH up to 7.

� The mixture was poured on a glass petri plate, kept in an oven at 130 "C and was baked till

dry. Later, petri plate was allowed to cool and plastic film was scraped off from the petri
plate as the bioplastic film.first phase

Characterization of Synthesized Bioplastics

� Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) : FTIR Spectroscopy was used to

investigate the interactions between different species and changes in chemical compositions
of the mixtures. The FTIR spectra of bioplastics film obtained from banana peels were
recorded in spectrometer using KBR pellet method.

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� X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) : Diffraction pattern gives information on translational symmetry

– size and shape of the unit cell from peak positions and information on electron density
inside the unit cell, namely where the atoms are located from peak intensities. It also gives
information on deviations from a perfect particle. XRD measurement of synthesized bio
plastic was drop-located on glass on a Bruker axs-D8 advance instrument operation at a
voltage of 40 Kv and current of 20m A with Cu Ka radiate.

� Swelling : Swelling study is generally conducted to determine whether developed material

retains the original properties when it was formed during the preparations A preweighed
piece of sample were taken in the test tube to check the protuberance and other
morphological changes. It was carried out on the medium containing various solvents such as
water, chloroform and methanol medium where deliberated samples were kept in the medium
for about 2 hours and the results were recorded accordingly.

� SEM with EDS analysis : The Scanning Electron Microscope, JEOL-JSM-IT500, (Tokyo,

Japan), was employed to examine the surface morphology and cross-sectional areas of the
bananna peel-based films. The sample was blot dried entirely and coated with a conductive
layer (thickness ¼ 40 nm) of an aluminum sheet during the process. Besides, the bio-based
material's elemental composition was analyzed at acceleration voltage: 20 kV, magnification:
4500, and tabulated the values of the total elemental composition of the bio-based composite
film.

� Mechanical analysis : 1.1 grams of a pre – weighed piece of bioplastics were taken in a

beaker wwas in turn placed in another large beaker containing soil at a depth of 5 cm from
the surface. Some amount of water was sprinkled on the soil so that bacterial enzymatic
activities could be enriched. These samples were kept in the beaker for about 15 days and
each 5 days of interval it was observed that there was a decrease in the weight of the
bioplastic material and results were recorded.

Expected Outcomes
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 It is expected PLA(polylytic acid) which is a
natural polymer will be added in the process
of preparing bioplastic from banana peel will
produce water-resistant characteristics for the
product.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the utilization of banana peel waste for the production of bio-plastics represents a
significant stride towards sustainable and eco-friendly materials. The mechanical properties,

biodegradability, and versatility of banana peel bio-plastics make them a compelling alternative
to traditional plastics in various industrial applications.(Heslop-Harrison etal.,2007). Ongoing
research and technological advancements are essential to further optimize the production process
and overcome challenges associated with scalability and cost-effectiveness. Embracing banana
peel bio-plastics not only contributes to the reduction of plastic pollution but also aligns with the
global push towards a circular economy and sustainable industrial practices.

References:

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1. Maheshwari, R., Rani, B., Sangeeta, P., Parihar, & Sharma, A. (2016). Eco-friendly
Bioplastic for Uncontaminated Environment. Research Journal of Chemical and
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