Banana ( Musa acuminata ) Stem Fiber, Coconut ( Cocos nucifera ) Coir, Cassava ( Mahinot

esculenta ) Starch, and Waste Paper as Bioplastic

Proponents:

Lanto, Jhon Zedrick A.

Adamas Ian Jay B.

Cleofe Oswald James A.

Life Science

Elvira M. Mondoñedo

Capstone Adviser

Quinabigan National High School

Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro

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Project Title:Banana ( Musa acuminata ) Stem Fiber, Coconut ( Cocos nucifera ) Coir, Cassava (
Mahinot esculenta ) Starch, and Waste Paper as Bioplastic

Project Category: Life Science

Researcher: Lanto, Jhon Zedrick A ./ lantojhonzedrick@[Link]

Cleofe, Oswald James A./ojcleofeee@[Link]

Adamas, Ian Jay B./ianjayadamas02@[Link]

Grade Level: 12

Adult Sponsor:

School: Quinabigan National High School

School Address: Quinabigan, Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro

Research Period: SY 2024-2025

Contents:

I. Research Plan
II. Abstract
III. Research Paper

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ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The researchers are truly grateful for the successful completion of this study. We sincerely
appreciate everyone who supported and guided us throughout this journey.

First, we thank God for giving us the strength, wisdom, and patience to complete this
research. His guidance has helped us overcome challenges along the way.

We also extend our gratitude to our research teachers, Mrs. Elvie Modenedo and Mrs. Julie
Ann Solas for their constant support, valuable advice, and patience. Their guidance has been
essential in improving our study.

We are also thankful to our classmates and friends, who provided helpful feedback and
motivation, making this study better.

Lastly, we express our deepest thanks to our families, who have always supported us with
their love, patience, and [Link] everyone who has helped us in any way, we truly
appreciate your support.

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Table of Contents

Acknowledgment……..…………………………………………………….….3
Part I: Research Plan……………………………………………………...….5
Rationale……………………………………………………………......6
Research Question or Problem…………………………………………7
Hypothesis…………………………………………………………...…8
Goals/Expected Outcome………………………………………………9
Methodology……………………………………………………..…….10
Testing Procedure………………………………………….………..…11
Risk and Safety…………………………………………………..…….11
Data Analysis…………………………………………………………..11
Cost Estimate…………………………………………….…………….12
References………………………………………….…………………..13
Part II: Abstract………………..……………………………………….....…14
Part III: Research Paper………………………………………….……..…..15
Introduction………………………………….…………….……..……16
Conceptual Framework…………………………………………....…..18
Statement of the Problem……………………………………………...19
Statement of the Hypothesis…………………………………………...20
Methodology……………………………………..……………..……..20
Result and Discussion…………………………………………………24
Summary of Findings………………………………………………….33
Conclusion………………………………………..……………………34
Recommendation……...……………………………………………….34
References…………………………………..………………………….36
Appendices…………………………………..………………………..38

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PART I: RSEARCH PLAN

Banana ( Musa acuminata ) Stem Fiber, Coconut ( Cocos nucifera ) Coir, Cassava ( Mahinot
esculenta ) Starch, and Waste Paper as Bioplastic

Proponents:

Lanto, Jhon Zedrick A.

Adamas Ian Jay B.

Cleofe Oswald James A.

Elvira M. Mondoñedo

Research Adviser

Contents:
Research Plan

A. Rationale

B. Research Question or Problem

C. Hypothesis

D. Goals/Expected Outcome

E. Research Methods/ Procedures/ Risk & Safety/Data Analysis

F. Bibliography

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PART I: RESEARCH PLAN

A. Rationale

The growing issue of plastic waste had turned into a global crisis which confronted the

environment with substantial challenges. According to Karasik et al. (2022), the Philippines

occupies the position as the world’s third-biggest plastic pollution source according to global

estimates indicating that 2.7 to 5.5 million metric tons of plastic waste yearly originates from the

nation while 20% escapes into the environment. The severe plastic pollution crisis revealed an

urgent need for sustainable plastic substitutes because conventional plastics were causing

environmental damage to land and sea ecosystems. In response to this dilemma, researchers

explored the potential of utilizing discarded materials as raw components for bioplastic

production that promoting both waste reduction and environmental sustainability.

Bioplastics introduced a promising ecological answer to plastic contamination through their

application as a natural decomposition. According to Manger (2024), these biodegradable

materials were intended to naturally break down while minimizing ecological harm. The

progress of material science led to bioplastics production from renewable plant-based resources

that boosted the evolution of sustainable waste management practices. The potential of recycling

agricultural and paper waste into bioplastics created fresh opportunities for innovative materials

since this waste conversion process generated valuable products.

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The researcher selected various raw materials for bioplastic production, including banana stem

fiber, coconut coir, cassava starch, and waste paper. These materials were chosen because they

were abundant in Barangay Quinabigan, easily decomposable, and had suitable polymer

structures. According to Hasan et al. (2021), coconut coir is naturally strong, which can enhances

the tensile strength of bioplastic. Moreover, banana stem fibers and waste paper, as stated by

Ishara (2024), contain high amounts of cellulose and lignin compounds. These cellulose-rich and

lignin-containing materials can help improve the durability of bioplastic. Additionally, according

to Doubi et al (2021), the cassava starch can functioned as an exceptional binding polymer,

enhancing the water resistance and moldability of the bioplastic.

This study is significant because it will help to decrease plastic pollution through an innovative

waste product method. Also, this study promotes the use of agricultural waste together with

paper waste to produce bioplastics while providing cost-efficient and environmentally friendly

bioplastic manufacturing possibilities. Furthermore, the project creates economic opportunities

for local communities which reside near abundant resources of these raw materials.

B. Research Question or Problem

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Main Research Question:

What will be the quality of bioplastic produced from banana stem fibers, coconut coir, cassava

starch, and waste paper in terms mechanical properties ?

Specific Research Question:

1. What will be the durability of the bioplastic, as measured by the maximum weight it can

support before breaking?

2. What will be the tensile strength of the bioplastic, as evaluated by respondents using a Likert

scale from 1 (Very Weak) to 5 (Very Strong) for its resistance to tearing?

3. What will be the water resistance of the bioplastic when a fixed amount of water is applied

to its surface, and how long will it take for water to penetrate the bioplastic?

C. Hypothesis

This study will be guided by the hypothesis below.

The combination of banana stem fibers, coconut coir, waste paper and

cassava starch does not significantly affect the durability, tensile strength,

and water resistance of the develop bioplastic.

D. Goals/Expected Outcomes

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Main Objective:

The study will aim to develop a bioplastic using banana stem fibers, coconut coir, cassava starch,

and waste paper and to evaluate its mechanical properties.

Specific Objectives:

1. To determine the durability of the bioplastic by measuring the maximum weight it can support

before failure.

2. To assess the tensile strength of the bioplastic by having respondents rate its resistance to

tearing on a Likert scale from 1 to 5.

3. To evaluate the water resistance of the bioplastic by observing the reaction when a controlled

volume of water is applied.

Expected Outcome

It is expected that the bioplastic will demonstrate strong durability, high tensile strength, and

excellent water resistance, thereby proving to be a viable and sustainable alternative to

conventional plastics.

E. Methodology

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General Procedure:

1. Preparation of Materials:

- The researcher will peel a layer of banana tree skin and extract the fibers, then cut the banana

stem into small pieces.

- Coconut coir will be cut into small pieces, and waste paper will be soaked in water to soften

it.

2. Bioplastic Production:

- The researcher will boil the banana stem fibers and coconut coir in a cooking pot with water.

Once boiling, the fibers will be drained using a strainer.

- The boiled materials will then be blended together with soaked waste paper until a uniform

mixture is achieved.

- Cassava starch will be added as a binding agent, and the mixture will be molded into the

desired shape.

- The molded bioplastic will be steamed for 20 minutes and subsequently dried under sunlight

for 2 to 3 days.

Testing Procedure

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The durability of the bioplastic will be assessed through a series of tests to evaluate its strength

and resistance. In the durability test, the bioplastic sample will be hold both side and weights

will be gradually applied until the sample breaks. The maximum weight it can support before

breaking will be recorded over multiple trials, and the mean and standard deviation will be

calculated. To measure tensile strength, ten respondents will be given a single bioplastic sample

and will attempt to tear it by hand. They will then rate its resistance on a Likert scale from 1

(Very Weak) to 5 (Very Strong), and the mean rating along with the standard deviation will be

computed. Lastly, the water resistance test will involve pouring 50 ml of water evenly onto the

bioplastic sample. The researcher will observe and record the time it takes for the water to

penetrate to the sample. These tests will provide quantitative data on the durability and

performance of the bioplastic.

Risk and Safety

To ensure the safety of the researchers, suitable risk management systems will be implemented

throughout the production and testing phases of the bioplastic experiments. The researchers will

use protective equipment, including gloves and aprons, to prevent skin irritation and avoid

possible contamination from banana stem fibers, coconut coir, and cassava starch. During slitting

operations with scissors and knives, proper surface stability will be maintained, and tools will be

handled with precision to prevent injuries. To avoid burns from the cooking pot, researchers will

maintain a safe distance and wear protective mitts while boiling banana stem fibers and coconut

coir. The blender will only be operated after ensuring proper assembly and secure usage.

Researchers will also minimize their exposure to steam during the steaming process by using

tongs to handle hot test samples. All equipment will undergo proper cleaning and storage

measures to maintain a safe working environment.

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Data Analysis

The collected data will be analyzed using the descriptive statistics method, which will

summarize the key features of the dataset by generating sample data summaries. According to

Indeed (2023), descriptive statistics will provide an overview of the data by explaining its

context and characteristics. This method will be used to evaluate the durability, tensile strength,

and water resistance of the bioplastic samples.

For the durability test, the maximum weight (in kilograms) that the bioplastic sample can

withstand before breaking will be recorded. In the tensile strength test, respondents will rate

the strength of the bioplastic using a Likert scale from 1 (Very Weak) to 5 (Very Strong), based

on its resistance to stretching. The mean rating will then be calculated to determine the overall

tensile strength, while the standard deviation will measure the consistency of responses.

For the water resistance test, a measured amount of 50 ml of water will be poured evenly

onto a single bioplastic sample, and the time it takes for the water to penetrate the sample will

be recorded. This result will provide insight into the bioplastic’s ability to resist water

absorption. These analyses will help assess the mechanical properties of the bioplastic, ensuring

accuracy and reliability in the findings.

Cost Estimate

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Materials Price Amount

Cassava starch 50 50

Coconut coir

Banana stem fiber

Waste paper

Total 50 50

REFERENCES

Doubi, B. I. H. G., Gomina, M., Konan, L. K., Méité, N., Oyetola, S., & Tognonvi, M. T. (2021).
Properties of hydric and biodegradability of cassava starch-based bioplastics reinforced
with thermally modified kaolin. Carbohydrate Polymers, 254, 117322.
[Link]

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Hasan, K. M. F., Horváth, P. G., Bak, M., & Alpár, T. (2021). A state-of-the-art review on coir
fiber-reinforced biocomposites. RSC Advances, 11(18), 10548–10571.
[Link]

Indeed. (2023, October 24). Experimental research: Definition, type, and example. Indeed
Career Guide. Retrieved from [Link]
development/experimental-research

Ishara, G., Koliyabandara, P. A., & Samarakoon, G. (2024). Eco-friendly bio-composite sheets:
A study on the utilization of banana peels, cassava starch, and banana stem fibers.
Frontiers in Sustainability, 5. [Link]

Manger, C. (2024). European Bioplastics e.V. Retrieved from [Link]

Schachter, J., & Karasik, R. (2022). Plastic pollution policy country profile: Philippines (NI PB
22-10). Duke University.

Sreekumar, D. (2023). What is quantitative research? Definition, methods, types, and examples.
Researcher Life. Retrieved from [Link]
research-types-and-examples/

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