LUFFA ACUTANGULA RIND AS BIOPLASTIC PHONE CASE

A Research Proposal

Presented to

Ulyrie L. Dela Cruz

Kalibo Integrated Special Education Center

In Partial fulfillment of the Requirement of ENGLISH 10

By

Rhea Mae L. Nicodemos

Risen Joy A. Palma

Mae Kristine M. Almero

Grade 10

July 2023
 CHAPTER Ⅰ

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the process for producing Luffa Acutangula Rind bioplastic

phone case.

INTRODUCTION

Luffa Acutangula commonly known as Sponge Gourd is belong to cucurbitales

family (family of flowering plants). Loofah, (genus Luffa), also spelled luffa, native to the

Old World tropics. Two species (Luffa acutangula and L. aegyptiaca) are commonly

cultivated for their fruits, which are edible when young and have a fibrous spongelike

interior that is used domestically for bathing and for washing dishes. The spongy fruit also

has a number of applications as an industrial filter. Luffa acutangula rind is the peel of a

vegetable used in molding or making a biodegrable plastic phone case of a device.

( https://www.britannica.com/plant/loofah retrieved: June 24, 2023)

Bioplastics are biodegradable materials that come from renewable sources and can

be used to reduce the problem of plastic waste that is suffocating the planet and

contaminating the environment. Bioplastic is the material produced of the vegetable luffa

acutangula using it's rind, attempting in making a biodegrable phone case.

(https://www.activesustainability.com/environment/what-are-

bioplastics/?_adin=02021864894 retrieved: June 24, 2023)

Phone cases are protective shells that attach to the back and sides of a device. These

are available in a variety of forms, features, factors, and materials, but their purpose
remains to help reduce any drop damage. The phone case acts as the molding product of

the luffa acutangulas rind, this is the product that the researcher desired to achieve using

the rind of the luffa acutangula.

(https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/rind retrieved: June 24, 2023)

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The diverse potential of Luffa Acutangula never ceases to amaze researchers with

its ability to create eco-friendly objects. Plastics come in two categories: (1) those that can

naturally break down (biodegradable), and (2) those made from biological materials or

renewable resources, which may or may not biodegrade. The latter type, known as partially

bio-based or hybrid plastics, combine both renewable and conventional fossil fuel-based

carbon sources. These plastics are derived mainly from renewable carbon sources, such as

plant matter. They are environmentally friendly and pose no harm to living organisms.

(https://www.cell.com/heliyon/fulltext/S2405-8440(21)02021-

1?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Ffanyv88.com%3A443%2Fhttps%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS240

5844021020211%3Fshowall%3Dtrue

retrieved: June 24, 2023)

According to researcher Bioplastic can be produced from the rind of Luffa

Acutangula. Creating phone case out of the resilient rind not only makes it functional but

also sustainable, as it lessens the use of fossil fuel-based plastics and supports a greener

future. Demonstrating the versatile properties of Luffa Acutangula's rind in this inventive

approach showcases how it can contribute to developing sustainable solutions.

application as an impervious cleansing tool becomes possible. Naturally-made loofah

sponges come from the luffa, which Filipinos call patola (Luffa acutangula).

(https://www.agriculture.com.ph/2022/05/04/how-to-turn-patola-into-loofah-sponges/

retrieved: June 24, 2023)

Therefore the researchers will develop practical and eco-friendly objects. How these

plant offers environmentally sound options that eliminate reliance on synthetic cleaning

agents or an alternative phone case we can see how it can lead us towards a more

sustainable lifestyle. These innovative uses enable us to utilize the plant's potential for a

more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Loofah is an annual dimbing plant belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, which is

typically grown in hot, humid regions. The fiber of luffa is a budle of natural vascular tissue

with fibrous structure obtained from ripe luffa fruits, where natural luffa fiber (LF) is

widely used for products like toys, insoles, etc. With the help of modern science,

technology, and research, LF, can create a green and renewable resource that is also

completely degradable. known for their high specific strength and modulus, created a green

composite material due to concerns about environmental pollution. Improved mechanical

properties of biodegradable plastics can also be achieved, along with a reduction in cost.

The research shows improving PHBV, a type of polymer with excellent mechanical

properties, with the use of natural fibers using hot press forming.

(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6918194/ retrieved:

July 1, 2023)

Improving new materials by fusing luffa (Luffa acutangula) in other fibers with

polymers to improve the properties and utilize it as a substitute material. The blending

characteristics of fiber with polymers are finding expanded applications. These fibers, like

loofah, are used because of their properties like high rigidity, low warm development, high

solidarity to weight proportion, and also they strengthen polymer composites. turned out

to be progressively appealing because of their high specific quality, lightweight, and

biodegradability. The recently discovered properties make this material alluring for use in

aviation applications. This research shows the composition of luffa to improve the
toughness and durability of materials using the said natural fiber.

(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2214785320365512 retrieved:

July 1 2023)

The Gambas peel used in the study, which has a high carbohydrate content of 68.2%,

is used to create bioplastic, to enhance physical and mechanical qualities, silica can be

utilized as a filler and reinforcement material. High tensile strength, elongation, heat,

stability, and mass loss are all demonstrated by the result. While vinegar offers a

homogeneous mixture, PVA improves mechanical properties. After 5 days of burial, the

soil degradation test reveals a mass loss of 15.91%.

(https://ejournal.undip.ac.id/index.php/ksa/article/view/53508 retrieved: July 1, 2023)

Our ecology depends on bioplastic, which is made from organic waste and serves

as an environmentally benign substitute for plastic shopping bags. It dissolves more quickly

than conventional polymers, making it appropriate for food packing and less polluting the

environment. Bioplastics can turn back into carbon dioxide and are not damaging to the

environment. Due to their consumer, friendly goods and reduced environmental effect than

traditional plastics, the market for bioplastics is expanding. In oceans and ecosystem,

plastic debris contributes to trash islands and garbage patches. It takes 400 years to

transform macroplastic into microplastics, which releases dangerous chemicals into the

soil, groundwater and affects the food chain and harmful

species.(https://www.ijraset.com/research-paper/waste-vegetable-peals-as-bioplastics

retrieved: July 1, 2023)

METHODOLOGY

TYPE OF THE STUDY

Quantitative research methods a method of research that relies on measuring

variables using a numerical system, analyzing these measurements using any of a variety

of statistical models, and reporting relationships and associations among the studied

variables. For example, these variables may be test scores or measurements of reaction

time. The goal of gathering this quantitative data is to understand, describe, and predict the

nature of a phenomenon, particularly through the development of models and theories.

Quantitative research techniques include experiments and surveys.

(https://library.cityu.edu/researchguides/researchmethods/quantitative

retreived: June 29, 2023)

The researcher will use a quantitative research for the reason that the researcher will

conduct a experimental research. The researcher will test the feasibility of Luffa

Acutangula Rind as bioplastic phone case.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

The design of this study is experimental design, often called true experimentation.

Experimental research design is a framework of protocols and procedures created to

conduct experimental research with a scientific approach using two sets of variables.

Herein, the first set of variables acts as a constant, used to measure the differences of the

second set. The best example of experimental research methods is quantitative research.
Experimental research helps a researcher gather the necessary data for making better

research decisions and determining the facts of a research study.

(https://www.enago.com/academy/experimental-research-design/ retrieved: June 29,

2023)

The researcher had chosen this design is because the researcher will constuct the

feasibility of Luffa Acutangula Rind as bioplastic phone case.

INTRUMENTATION

The instrument in this study is experimental procedure on how to make an bioplastic

phone case.

INSTRUMENTS

A. Luffa Acutangula (1/2 kilo)

B. Knife

C. L-cysteine (0.2M)

D. Distilled water

E. Beaker

F. Filter Paper

G. Blender

H. Baking Soda(3ml)

I. Glass Rod

J. Plasticizer (Glycerol)
 K. Caustic soda (0.5L)

L. Oven

M. Phone Molder

PROCEDURE

Step 1: Luffa peel are removed using knife and converted into small strips. Then peels are

dip in (0.2M) L-cysteine solution for 20 minutes, this is to reduced water during mixing.

Step 2: Luffa peel are boiled in distilled water for about 15 minutes.

The water is removed from the beaker and the peels are now left to dry on filter paper for

about 30 minutes.

Step 3: After the peels are dried, they are placed in a beaker and

using a blender, the peels are crushed.

Step 4: 25gm of luffa is placed in a beaker. 3ml of dissolve baking soda is added to this

mixture and stirred using glass rod, which is needed in order to aid the process formation.

Step 5: 2ml Plasticizer (Glycerol) is added and stirred, this is to increase the plasticity and

decreased.

(https://www.researchgate.net/publication/348806219_Production_of_Bioplastics_from_

Banana_Peels retrieved: July 2, 2023)

mixture is spread on a mold (to shape into a phone case) and this is put in the oven 120C

and baked. The mold is allowed to cool and scraped off the surface.

TESTING PROCEDURE

Step 1: Put the finished product between a thick flat stone or a brick.

A. Put 250g of stone in the finished product and observe what will happen.

B. Put 500g of stone in the finished product and observe what will happen.

C. Put 1kg of stone in the finished product and observe what will happen.

Step 2: Take a non-working phone and put it in the finished product and lift it to the desired

height.

A. Drop the finished product about 3ft and observe what will happen.

B. Drop the finished product about 4ft and observe what will happen.

C. Drop the finished product about 5ft and observe what will happen.

Step 3: Get a small knife

Step 4: Create a small cut and observe what will happen when its twisted.

The researcher test the durability toughness, and thickness to find out if the bioplastic

phone case is durable to use. With this testing the researcher can say that is effective

because the finish product did not easily break and protected the device from harmful

scratches.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica.(2023, June 2). Loofah | plant.

Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved from: https://www.britannica.com/plant/loofah

(retrieved: June 24, 2023)

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https://www.activesustainability.com/environment/what-are-

bioplastics/?_adin=02021864894 (retrieved: June 24, 2023)

Rind. (2023)

Retrieved from: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/rind

(retrieved : June 24, 2023)

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acutangula) Peel – Based Bioplastic Reinforced by Silica. Diponegoro University.

Retrieved from: https://ejournal.undip.ac.id/index.php/ksa/article/view/53508(retrieved:

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