BAB I

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Problem

Plastic pollution is a significant and escalating environmental issue that the world is
grappling with . Conventional plastics, predominantly derived from petroleum, are inherently
non-biodegradable and thus persist in the environment for centuries, contributing to long-
lasting and pervasive pollution across oceans, lands, and even the atmosphere. The
burgeoning accumulation of plastic waste not only mars the natural beauty of our landscapes
but also poses severe and multifaceted threats to wildlife, marine ecosystems, and human
health. Animals, particularly marine species, often mistake plastic debris for food, leading to
ingestion and entanglement, which can result in injury, death, and disruptions to biodiversity.
Moreover, the production of traditional plastics is a resource-intensive process that
consumes a vast amount of fossil fuels, significantly contributing to greenhouse gas
emissions and exacerbating the global issue of climate change. The extraction, refining, and
processing of petroleum to produce plastics are energy-intensive activities that further strain
our already depleting fossil fuel reserves. In light of these interconnected challenges, the
development of eco-friendly plastics has emerged as a crucial and urgent area of research.
Eco-friendly plastics, designed to be biodegradable and manufactured from renewable
resources such as plant-based materials, offer a promising and multifaceted solution to
mitigate the environmental impact of plastic waste. These alternative plastics decompose
naturally through biological processes, reducing their persistence in the environment and
minimizing harm to wildlife and ecosystems. Furthermore, the use of renewable resources in
their production reduces reliance on fossil fuels, thereby lessening the carbon footprint
associated with plastic manufacturing. The shift towards eco-friendly plastics represents not
only an environmental imperative but also a step towards more sustainable industrial
practices, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and promote a circular
economy.

1.2 Formulation of the Problem

Given the detrimental effects of traditional plastics, this research seeks to address the
following questions:
- How can we develop an eco-friendly plastic that is both biodegradable and sustainable?
- What are the optimal raw materials and processes required to produce such plastics?
- How does the performance of eco-friendly plastics compare to conventional plastics in
terms of durability and usability?

1.3 Purpose of the Research

The primary purpose of this research is to develop a new type of plastic that is
environmentally friendly and biodegradable. By investigating different renewable materials
and innovative manufacturing processes, this study aims to create a plastic that decomposes
naturally without leaving harmful residues. Additionally, this research intends to evaluate the
mechanical and physical properties of the developed eco-friendly plastic to ensure it meets
the standards of conventional plastics used in various applications.

1.4 Limitation of the Research

This research will focus on the development and preliminary testing of eco-friendly
plastics using selected renewable materials. The scope will be limited to laboratory-scale
production and initial performance assessments. While the study aims to create a
biodegradable plastic, the long-term environmental impacts and large-scale production
feasibility will not be covered in this research. Furthermore, the economic aspects of
producing eco-friendly plastics on an industrial scale will be considered beyond the scope of
this study.
1.5 Hypothesis
The research hypothesizes that eco-friendly plastics made from renewable resources
will exhibit comparable mechanical properties to conventional plastics while offering the
advantage of biodegradability. It is also hypothesized that these eco-friendlycan be produced
using sustainable methods, reducing the overall environmental footprint associated with
plastic production and disposal.
In conclusion, this research aims to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on
sustainable materials by developing and testing a new form of eco-friendly plastic. The
findings from this study are expected to pave the way for more sustainable practices in the
plastic manufacturing industry, ultimately reducing the environmental burden of plastic
waste.

BAB II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Many researchers are looking for ways to make plastic more eco-friendly because
traditional plastic pollution is a serious environmental problem. This review will explore two
main approaches to this issue: bio-based and biodegradable plastics.

2.1 Bio-based Plastics

Bio-based plastics are made from renewable resources like corn starch, plant fibers,
and algae. This is good because they have a smaller carbon footprint compared to regular
plastics made from oil. However, there are also challenges. Large-scale production of bio-
based plastics could compete with food production for land and resources. Also, converting
land to grow these bio-plastics can have unintended consequences for the environment.
Finally, researchers need to find ways to make bio-based plastics with less energy and with
better processing methods.

2.2 Biodegradable plastics

The other approach is biodegradable plastics. These plastics can be broken down by
microorganisms into harmless materials within a reasonable amount of time. There are two
main types: compostable plastics, which break down in special composting facilities, and
degradable plastics, which break down under specific conditions like sunlight or heat .
Biodegradable plastics could potentially help reduce plastic waste in landfills and the
environment. There are challenges here too, though. We need standardized ways to measure
how well these plastics biodegrade under different conditions. Also, there aren't enough
industrial composting facilities yet to handle a large amount of compostable plastics. Even
biodegradable plastics might break down into tiny microplastics, and we need more research
to understand the impact of these microplastics on the environment.
In addition to these two approaches, there are other things to consider. Life Cycle
Assessments (LCA) are important for understanding the overall environmental impact of
these eco-friendly plastics. This assessment looks at how much resources are used, the
production process, and what happens to the plastic at the end of its life. Another approach is
to combine bio-based and biodegradable materials with traditional plastics. This could create
plastics with a better balance of properties and make them easier to use. Finally, educating
consumers about these new plastics is important. People need to know how to dispose of
them responsibly and support systems for collecting these eco-friendly plastics
 BAB III
RESEARCH METODOLOGY

3.1 Time and place

The research will be conducted in a well equipped laboratory setting at a university.
The timeframe for the project is estimated to be 12-18 months, encompassing literature
review, experimentation, data analysis, and refinement.

3.2 Tools and materials

In this research we use several tools and materials as follows:
1. Tools
● Reactor vessels (stirred tank, autoclave) for polymerization reactions
● Mixing and stirring apparatus
● Temperature control systems (heating mantles, cryogenic baths)
● Purification tools (fractionation columns, solvent extraction)
● Characterization instruments (see Instrumentation section)
● Safety equipment (fume hoods, eye protection, gloves)
2. Materials
● Bio-based starting materials (e.g., plant starches, cellulose derivatives, microbial
fermentation products)
● Comonomers (optional, to control properties)
● Catalysts (for polymerization reactions)
● Solvents (for processing and purification)
 ● Additives (e.g., plasticizers, compatibilizers, depending on desired properties)
● Control samples (conventional plastics for comparison

3.3 Instrumentation

In this research we use several instrumentations as follows:

● Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) for molecular weight distribution

● Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) for thermal properties (glass transition
temperature, melting temperature)
● Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) for thermal stability
● Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for chemical composition and
identification
● Mechanical testing equipment (tensile testing machine) for strength and elasticity
● Biodegradation testing equipment (composting facilities, respirometry) to assess
environmental degradability

3.4 Procedure of the research

1. Material Selection

The selection of appropriate materials is crucial for the successful development of eco-
friendly plastics. This involves identifying and selecting suitable bio-based starting materials,
comonomers (if necessary), and catalysts. The choice of these materials will be guided by
factors such as desired properties, compatibility, and biodegradability. Bio-based starting
materials will be derived from renewable resources, such as plant starches, cellulose
derivatives, or microbial fermentation products. Comonomers may be incorporated to fine-
tune the properties of the eco-friendly plastic, while catalysts will play a key role in
facilitating efficient polymerization reactions.

2. Polymerization

Controlled polymerization techniques will be employed to synthesize eco-friendly

plastics with targeted molecular weight and structure. The polymerization process will be
carried out in reactor vessels, carefully optimizing reaction conditions such as temperature,
pressure, and catalyst loading. These optimized conditions will ensure the production of
polymers with the desired molecular weight distribution and structural characteristics, which
will ultimately influence the properties of the eco-friendly plastic.

3. Purification and Processing

Once the polymerization reactions are complete, the synthesized polymers will undergo
purification processes to remove any residual impurities or unreacted monomers. This
purification may involve techniques such as fractionation columns or solvent extraction. The
purified polymers will then be processed into desired shapes, such as films or pellets, using
extrusion or molding methods. These processing steps will transform the raw polymer into
usable forms for further characterization and testing.

4. Characterization

A comprehensive suite of characterization techniques will be employed to evaluate the

properties of the synthesized eco-friendly plastics. These techniques will provide insights into
the molecular weight distribution, thermal properties (glass transition temperature, melting
temperature), thermal stability, chemical composition, and mechanical properties of the
plastics.

● Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC): GPC will be used to determine the

molecular weight distribution of the eco-friendly plastics. This information is crucial
for understanding the polymer chain length and its influence on material properties.
● Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC): DSC will be employed to assess the
thermal properties of the eco-friendly plastics, including their glass transition
temperature (Tg) and melting temperature (Tm). These parameters provide insights
into the polymer's stiffness, flexibility, and processing behavior.
● Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA): TGA will be used to evaluate the thermal
stability of the eco-friendly plastics. This analysis will determine the temperature at
which the polymers start to decompose, providing information about their resistance
to heat and environmental stresses.
● Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR): FTIR will be used to characterize
the chemical composition of the eco-friendly plastics. This technique will identify the
 functional groups present in the polymer chains, providing valuable information about
their structure and potential interactions.
● Mechanical Testing: Mechanical testing equipment, such as a tensile testing machine,
will be used to assess the mechanical properties of the eco-friendly plastics. This
testing will measure the strength, elasticity, and ductility of the materials, providing
insights into their suitability for various applications.

5. Biodegradation Testing

To evaluate the biodegradability of the synthesized eco-friendly plastics, controlled

biodegradation testing will be conducted under simulated environmental conditions. This
testing may involve composting facilities or respirometry techniques, which will assess the
ability of the plastics to break down into harmless substances by microorganisms over time.
The biodegradation rate will be compared to that of conventional plastics to determine the
relative environmental impact of the eco-friendly alternatives.

6. Data Analysis and Optimization

The data collected from characterization and biodegradation testing will be subjected to
rigorous data analysis using statistical techniques and visualization methods. This analysis
will aim to identify relationships between material selection, polymerization conditions, and
the properties and biodegradability of the eco-friendly plastics. Based on the insights gained
from the analysis, the formulation and processing parameters will be optimized to achieve the
desired balance of properties and biodegradability. This optimization process may involve
adjusting the type and ratio of bio-based starting materials, comonomers, catalysts, reaction
conditions, and processing methods.

7. Refinement and Validation

The optimized formulation and processing parameters will be further refined and
validated through repeated synthesis, characterization, and biodegradation testing. This
iterative process will ensure the reproducibility of the eco-friendly plastics with consistent
properties and biodegradability. The final optimized formulation will be documented and
made available for further development and commercialization.
3.5 Variables

● Independent Variables:
○ Type of bio-based starting material
○ Presence and type of comonomers
○ Catalyst type and loading
○ Polymerization reaction conditions (temperature, pressure, time)
○ Processing methods (extrusion, molding)
● Dependent Variables:
○ Molecular weight and distribution of the eco-friendly plastic
○ Thermal properties (glass transition temperature, melting temperature)
○ Thermal stability
○ Chemical composition
○ Mechanical properties (strength, elasticity)
○ Biodegradability rate

3.6 Technique of Data Analysis

In research we can use technique data analysis statistical analysis, statistical analyse will
be employed to assess the relationships between the independent and dependent variables.
Techniques like one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) or regression analysis can be used
to determine the significance of the effects of different factors type of starting material) on
the properties and biodegradability of the eco-friendly plastic.