Topic: Development and

Analysis of
Biodegradable Plastic
from Potato Starch
Title: Spud to Sustainable Plastic

Purpose of the Experiment: The purpose of this experiment is to create

a biodegradable plastic from potato starch. By developing a plastic
alternative from renewable sources, this experiment contributes to
understanding sustainable materials that could reduce reliance on
traditional petroleum-based plastics.

Research Question: “How does varying the starch-to-glycerine ratio

affect the tensile strength and biodegradability of potato starch-based
plastic?”

Objective:
The global reliance on petroleum-based plastics has led to significant
environmental challenges, including long-lasting pollution, threats to
wildlife, and contributions to climate change. Conventional plastics can
take hundreds of years to decompose, leading to their accumulation in
landfills and oceans, where they break down into harmful microplastics.
These microplastics contaminate ecosystems and even enter the human
food chain, posing health risks.

In response to this growing issue, the need for sustainable, biodegradable

materials has become urgent. Bioplastics made from renewable resources,
like potato starch, offer a promising alternative, as they can naturally
decompose without leaving toxic residues. However, developing
bioplastics with the right balance of strength, flexibility, and
biodegradability remains challenging. This project aims to address these
challenges by creating and testing a biodegradable plastic from potato
starch, offering a step toward reducing the environmental impact of
single-use plastics.

Background Research on Creating Bioplastic

1. What is Bioplastic?
Bioplastic is a type of plastic derived from renewable biomass sources, such as vegetable fats,
corn starch, and potato starch, rather than petroleum. Unlike traditional plastics, bioplastics
can decompose naturally, reducing pollution and environmental harm. Some bioplastics are
designed to be fully biodegradable and compostable, breaking down into harmless byproducts
over time.

2. Types of Bioplastics
Bioplastics are generally categorized based on their biodegradability and source. Two main
types include:

 Biodegradable Bioplastics: Derived from natural sources and

designed to decompose fully, such as polylactic acid (PLA) from corn
and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) produced by bacterial
fermentation.
 Non-biodegradable Bioplastics: Derived from renewable sources
but not designed to decompose, such as bio-based polyethylene,
often used in applications where durability is essential.

3. Role of Starch in Bioplastic Production

Starch-based bioplastics are among the most common and accessible due to their
biodegradability, availability, and affordability. Starch, particularly from potatoes and corn,
acts as a polymer, forming the plastic base when combined with a plasticizer like glycerin.
When heated, the starch molecules break down and reform into a flexible, film-like material
that can mimic conventional plastic properties.
4. Importance of Plasticizers
A critical part of starch-based bioplastic development is the use of plasticizers, such as
glycerin, to increase flexibility. Without plasticizers, starch would form a brittle, rigid film.
Adding a plasticizer modifies the molecular structure of starch, making it more pliable and
durable, which is essential for practical applications.

5. Environmental and Economic Benefits

Creating bioplastic from potato starch provides several environmental benefits:

 Reduced Carbon Footprint: Using plant-based resources reduces

reliance on fossil fuels and associated greenhouse gas emissions.
 Compostable and Biodegradable: Starch-based plastics break
down naturally, reducing waste and environmental harm.
 Renewable Resource: Potatoes and other starch-rich plants are
renewable, widely available, and cost-effective.

6. Challenges in Bioplastic Development

Despite its advantages, starch-based bioplastic has limitations:

 Mechanical Properties: It can lack the tensile strength and

durability needed for certain applications, like packaging.
 Water Sensitivity: Starch-based bioplastic tends to be water-
sensitive, which limits its use in certain conditions.
 Cost and Scalability: While starch is affordable, bioplastic
production can be costly and challenging to scale for widespread
commercial use.

Experiment 1
Materials:

 Potato starch (about 40g)

 Water (about 200ml)
 Glycerin (about 10ml, acts as a plasticizer)
 Vinegar (about 5ml)
 Heat source (stove)
 Measuring cups/spoons
 Pot or heatproof container for mixing
 Spoon for stirring

Instructions:

1. Mix Ingredients: In a pot, combine 40g of potato starch, 200ml of

water, 10ml of glycerin, and 5ml of vinegar. Stir well until the starch
dissolves and there are no lumps.
 2. Heat the Mixture: Place the pot on medium heat and continuously
stir. The mixture will begin to thicken as the starch gelatinizes.
3. Continue Stirring: Keep stirring until the mixture turns into a thick,
gel-like substance. This should take around 5-10 minutes. Make sure
not to overheat, as it can burn.
4. Pour and Shape: Once it reaches a thick consistency, pour the
mixture onto a flat, non-stick surface (like a silicone mat) or into a
mold if you want to create a specific shape.
5. Dry the Plastic: Allow the mixture to air dry for about 24-48 hours,
depending on the thickness. Once fully dried, it will harden into a
flexible and durable biodegradable plastic.

Independent Variable: Amount of glycerin (plasticizer)

Dependent Variables: Flexibility, tensile strength, biodegradability

(measured by degradation rate over time in soil or water)

Control Variables: Same heating time, cooling conditions, starch

amount, and vinegar quantity for each test group.

Hypothesis: Increasing the amount of glycerin in the potato starch mixture

will improve the flexibility of the resulting bioplastic but may reduce its
tensile strength. There is an optimal glycerin-to-starch ratio that will yield
a biodegradable plastic with balanced strength and flexibility, making it
suitable for practical applications.
Addition of Starch Adding Glycerin Adding Vinegar

2 attempts were made. In attempt 1 , the quantity of glycerin was incorrect hence a softer
plastic was created. In attempt 2 the quantity of it was changed to only 5ml.
Attempt 1 Attempt 2

2nd Attempt:

X axis: Tensile Strength and hardness of plastic

Y axis: Amount of glycerin

Glycerin controls the flexibility of the plastic. More glycerin results in a

softer plastic, while less results in a more rigid material. This method can
be adjusted depending on the desired thickness and flexibility.

Observations of the Bioplastic Created

1. Appearance: The bioplastic sheets appeared semi-transparent and
varied slightly in color, with a light yellowish tint due to the starch
and glycerin mixture. Higher glycerin content made the plastic more
translucent.
2. Texture and Flexibility:
o Low Glycerin Content: The bioplastic was more rigid and
brittle, cracking easily under pressure.
o Moderate Glycerin Content: The plastic became more
flexible and bendable, with a smooth texture.
o High Glycerin Content: The plastic was very soft, flexible,
and slightly sticky, feeling more rubbery than plastic-like.
3. Tensile Strength: Samples with less glycerin showed greater
resistance to tearing and breaking, indicating higher tensile
strength. As glycerin content increased, the plastic became easier to
stretch but also tore more easily under stress.
4. Biodegradability: Initial observations showed that, when buried in
soil, samples with higher glycerin content began breaking down
more quickly than those with lower glycerin content, possibly due to
increased moisture absorption and microbial activity.
5. Water Sensitivity: All samples exhibited water sensitivity, with
higher-glycerin plastics becoming softer and tacky upon exposure to
moisture, whereas lower-glycerin samples retained their form but
swelled slightly.

Observations on Biodegradability Test

The 2 samples of plastic made were placed in a beaker of 50ml water and
left to see if biodegraded. Sample 1 was heated gently for 1 hour
everyday when Sample 2 wasn’t. After 1 week, it was observed that
Sample 1 had no lumps and was a milky white liquid solution whereas 2
had some small white lumps.

Note: 1 was heated gently to mimic the heat of the environment

Safety Procedures and Measures Taken

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
o Lab Coats and Gloves: Worn to prevent skin contact with
chemicals like glycerin and vinegar.
 o Safety Goggles: Used to protect eyes from splashes during
the mixing and heating processes.
2. Ventilation:
o Fume Hood or Well-Ventilated Area: The experiment was
conducted in a well-ventilated lab area to prevent inhalation of
fumes from heated vinegar and to ensure adequate airflow.
3. Handling of Hot Equipment:
o Heat-Resistant Gloves: Used when working with hot plates
and heated mixtures to prevent burns.
o Cooling Period: Mixtures were allowed to cool before
handling to prevent accidental burns or spills.
4. Chemical Safety:
o Labeling and Storage: All chemicals, including vinegar and
glycerin, were clearly labeled and stored in secure containers.
o Measured Quantities: Chemicals were carefully measured to
prevent reactions from excessive amounts and to ensure
consistency across trials.
5. Clean-Up and Waste Disposal:
o Disposal of Bioplastic Waste: Any leftover bioplastic
samples or experimental waste were disposed of in
designated biodegradable waste bins.
o Cleaning Equipment: All equipment was thoroughly cleaned
after use to avoid cross-contamination and residue build-up,
especially on heating plates.

Experiment Errors
1. Inconsistent Heating: Variations in heating time or temperature
could have led to uneven gelatinization of the starch, resulting in
inconsistencies in plastic properties across samples. Some samples
may not have reached the required temperature for optimal plastic
formation.
2. Measurement Inaccuracies: Small errors in measuring the
amounts of starch, glycerin, and water could have altered the final
properties of the bioplastic. For instance, slight deviations in glycerin
quantity could significantly impact flexibility and strength.
3. Environmental Factors: Fluctuations in ambient temperature and
humidity during the experiment could have influenced the drying
process of the bioplastic and its subsequent properties. Samples
exposed to higher humidity may have absorbed moisture, affecting
their weight and strength.
4. Handling of Samples: During the molding and cooling process,
mishandling of the bioplastic could have led to unintentional tearing
or deformation, impacting the tensile strength measurements.
5. Biodegradation Testing Conditions: Variations in the water
conditions used for biodegradability testing (such as moisture
 content) could have led to inconsistent degradation rates among
samples.

Science Behind:
Potato starch is made up of long chains of glucose molecules, which form
semi-crystalline granules. When starch is mixed with water and heated,
the heat breaks the bonds in these granules, allowing the starch
molecules to absorb water and swell. This process is called
gelatinization, and it turns the starch from a powdery substance into a
thick gel.

Glycerin acts as a plasticizer, which means it makes the starch more

flexible and pliable. Without it, the starch would dry into a brittle material.
The glycerin molecules insert themselves between the starch molecules,
reducing the intermolecular forces and allowing the starch to form a more
flexible, plastic-like structure.

As the mixture continues to heat, hydrogen bonds form between the

water molecules and the starch chains. These bonds, along with the
presence of glycerin, help to link the starch molecules into a more
cohesive, flexible network that behaves like plastic. The addition of
vinegar (acetic acid) helps adjust the pH, which can slightly modify the
reaction, preventing the starch from breaking down too quickly and giving
the mixture a smoother consistency.

When the mixture is poured out to cool and dry, the water begins to
evaporate. As the water content decreases, the gelatinized starch sets
into a solid, semi-crystalline structure that has plastic-like properties. The
starch molecules now form a network that is bound together, creating a
solid, flexible material that can hold its shape.

The resulting plastic is made entirely from natural substances, primarily

starch, which is an organic polymer. Unlike petroleum-based plastics,
these starch-based materials can be broken down by natural processes,
such as exposure to moisture and microbes in the environment. Over
time, enzymes and microorganisms degrade the starch into simpler
compounds like glucose, which can then be further broken down into
carbon dioxide and water.