Date of Completion

2025

Document Type

Research Project

Degree Name

Grade 12

Keywords

bioplastic, sustainability, pomelo peel cellulose, cassava starch, tensile strength, water absorption

Abstract

Pollution from improper waste disposal is a growing concern and is considered one of the urgent issues that needs to be addressed immediately. Finding biodegradable alternatives is crucial, and one possible solution for this is to recycle organic waste, specifically fruit peels, to produce sustainable goods. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive assessment of the possibility of using cellulose from pomelo peels and cassava starch as sustainable bioplastics. Procedures were conducted at DOST-FPRDI located at UP Los Baños. Cellulose was extracted from pomelo peels and mixed with cassava starch and glycerol to create a bioplastic with varying cellulose concentrations of 0%, 0.5%, and 1%. These bioplastics were tested based on its properties. Descriptive analysis was used to determine the effects of the varying cellulose concentrations on tensile strength and water absorption of bioplastic properties. The results revealed that the 1% pomelo peel cellulose concentration showed the highest tensile strength, while the lowest was the 0.5% cellulose concentration. Moreover, the addition of cellulose to the bioplastic resulted in a much higher water absorption. This concluded that increased cellulose concentration can enhance the tensile strength and water absorption of the bioplastics.

First Advisor

Pauline L. Cueno, LPT, MST

Download

Share

COinS