A Comparative Analysis of the Chemical Properties of Bioplastic Films Derived from Calamansi (Citrofortunella microcarpa) and Saba Banana (Musa acuminata x balbisiana) Peels
Document Types
Paper Presentation
School Name
De La Salle University
Track or Strand
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)
Torbeles, Cedrick L.
Start Date
25-6-2025 10:30 AM
End Date
25-6-2025 12:00 PM
Zoom Link/ Room Assignment
https://zoom.us/j/93354901415?pwd=TJIXX1qaCpKkpdzgAB5viRCb0URF9d.1 Meeting ID: 933 5490 1415 Passcode: 343455
Abstract/Executive Summary
Food waste and plastic pollution are pressing global issues that demand sustainable and innovative solutions. In the Philippines, a significant portion of fruit production ends up as waste, while reliance on traditional plastics continues to contribute to environmental degradation. This study aimed to address both concerns by developing bioplastic films using calamansi (Citrofortunella microcarpa) and Saba Banana (Musa acuminata x balbisiana) peels. Three film types were produced: Calamansi-based, Saba Banana-based, and a blended film with a 30g Calamansi to 70g Saba Banana ratio. The films were tested for biodegradability, chemical resistance, and solubility. Biodegradability was assessed through a soil burial test in both controlled and non-controlled environments, while chemical resistance testing followed ASTM D543 standards, and a solubility test was conducted to measure the films’ solubility. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test to determine significant differences among the samples. Results showed that the blended film exhibited the highest biodegradability and the greatest resistance in both acidic and basic environments, demonstrating improved chemical properties compared to individual peel-based films. These findings highlight the potential of fruit peel waste as a sustainable material for environmentally friendly bioplastics.
Keywords
bioplastic; Calamansi; Saba Banana; fruit waste; chemical properties
Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)
Materials Engineering (MEN)
Initial Consent for Publication
yes
Statement of Originality
yes
A Comparative Analysis of the Chemical Properties of Bioplastic Films Derived from Calamansi (Citrofortunella microcarpa) and Saba Banana (Musa acuminata x balbisiana) Peels
Food waste and plastic pollution are pressing global issues that demand sustainable and innovative solutions. In the Philippines, a significant portion of fruit production ends up as waste, while reliance on traditional plastics continues to contribute to environmental degradation. This study aimed to address both concerns by developing bioplastic films using calamansi (Citrofortunella microcarpa) and Saba Banana (Musa acuminata x balbisiana) peels. Three film types were produced: Calamansi-based, Saba Banana-based, and a blended film with a 30g Calamansi to 70g Saba Banana ratio. The films were tested for biodegradability, chemical resistance, and solubility. Biodegradability was assessed through a soil burial test in both controlled and non-controlled environments, while chemical resistance testing followed ASTM D543 standards, and a solubility test was conducted to measure the films’ solubility. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test to determine significant differences among the samples. Results showed that the blended film exhibited the highest biodegradability and the greatest resistance in both acidic and basic environments, demonstrating improved chemical properties compared to individual peel-based films. These findings highlight the potential of fruit peel waste as a sustainable material for environmentally friendly bioplastics.
https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_shsrescon/2025/paper_men/4
